The Yendi Chieftaincy Dispute and Ghanaian Politics

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Periodical article

Title:	The Yendi Chieftaincy Dispute and Ghanaian Politics
Author:	Ladouceur, Paul
Year:	1972
Periodical:	Canadian Journal of African Studies
Volume:	6
Issue:	1
Pages:	97-115
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	succession Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Politics and Government
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/484154
Abstract:	The Dagomba are strongly attached to the institution of chieftaincy. Quarrels tend to revolve around questions of succession, since the rules for succession tend to be rather flexible and allow for a number of candidates. Part of the dispute in 1969 hinged on whether or not it is a 'rule' of tradition that succession to Yendi must necessarily alternate between two rival sections of the royal family. The incidents in 1969 marked the climax to the long dispute over succession to the position of paramount chief in the Dagomba Kingdom of Northern Ghana. It is a vibrant example of the passion which traditional matters arouse in Ghana, and of the extent to which these matters have become politicised. The article more particularly focusses on the mechanisms by which a purely traditional matter has, in the course of 2 decades, become the main subject of local and national politics. Notes, table, diagram.