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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Contested royalty: eligibility and chieftaincy succession disputes in Wungu, northern Ghana
Author:Abubakari, AbdulaiISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Research Review
Volume:24
Issue:2
Pages:39-59
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:chieftaincy
succession
political conflicts
Mamprusi polity
Abstract:Chieftaincy conflicts have become a common phenomenon in many parts of Ghana. In northern Ghana, most causes of chieftaincy disputes are linked with royalty and eligibility to contest a particular skin. This paper describes the dynamics of the politics of chieftaincy among the Mamprusi of Wungu in northern Ghana. It uses a case study of Balima (a sub-chiefship) to discuss the situation of an alleged non royal who was given a title meant for royals and to examine the issue of royalty and how it relates to eligibility to succession as an emerging pattern of chieftaincy disputes. It also examines the issue of people's power - particularly the youth and the elders - as against the power of the paramount chief in determining who becomes a chief at the provincial level in Wungu. It observes that the financial and material resources of the contestants play an important role in influencing chief makers in choosing candidates against the will of the inhabitants. The data for the paper were collected through interviews, observations and archival material. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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