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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Native Jurisdiction Ordinance, indirect rule and the subject's well-being: the Abuakwa experience c 1899-1912
Author:Addo-Fening, R.ISNI
Year:1990
Periodical:Research Review
Volume:6
Issue:2
Pages:29-44
Language:English
Geographic terms:Ghana
Great Britain
Subjects:colonialism
indirect rule
Akim polity
Abstract:By the end of the 19th century central authority in Akyem Abuakwa (Gold Coast, present-day Ghana) was on the verge of collapse. Wealth and education changed the political and social orientation of the 'asafo' organizations, whose power now rivalled that of the chiefs. In a reversal of earlier policy, the British colonial government extended the Native Jurisdiction Ordinance (1883) to Akyem Abuakwa in 1899. Under the NJO, which became the foundation of the policy of indirect rule, the chiefs ('ahenfo') were empowered to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction. However, in lieu of strict official supervision of the chiefs' tribunals by the government, chiefly exercise of power was characterized by licentiousness and irresponsibility. In the face of 'asafo' protests against the chiefs' abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds, the government took the side of the chiefs. The result was a growing alienation of Abuakwa citizens from chiefs and colonial government alike in the first decade of the 20th century. Notes, ref.
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