The Manipulation of Tradition: Politics in Northern Ghana

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Periodical article

Title:	The Manipulation of Tradition: Politics in Northern Ghana
Author:	Staniland, Martin
Year:	1973
Periodical:	Journal of Development Studies
Volume:	9
Issue:	3
Period:	April
Pages:	373-389
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	politics succession Politics and Government Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Development and Technology
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/00220387308421451
Abstract:	This study is concerned with the analysis of continuity and change in relations between people holding office at different levels of authority in Ghana: those at national level, in colonial and post-colonial governments in Accra; and those at local level in the northern, Dagomba kingdom. Other levels are involved. It examines the background to the so-called 'Yendi skin dispute' in the Dagomba kingdom - a protracted dispute between two branches of the royal family over rights to the skin (throne) - and considers the significance of the distinction between 'tradition' and 'politics' as used by participants to explain the conflict and to allocate responsibility. The conclusion is that 'tradition' is both artificial and highly malleable. Notes; ref.