The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly opposed proposals seeking to include queenmothers in the sittings of the regional and national Houses of Chiefs. While acknowledging their indispensable role in chieftaincy affairs, he emphasized that tradition clearly defines their participation, which should remain private rather than public.
Speaking at the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs end of year meeting at Manhyia in Kumasi, the Asantehene stressed that although queenmothers play a crucial role in the selection and guidance of chiefs, their responsibilities are rooted in advisory and behind the scenes engagement. According to him, this long-standing cultural structure must be respected and preserved.
Furthermore, he explained that Asanteman’s customs assign queenmothers the authority to select chiefs and counsel them discreetly, while chiefs assume the responsibility of speaking publicly and leading deliberations on behalf of their people. Therefore, he believes any attempt to alter this system risks distorting the foundations of Asante tradition.
Meanwhile, the proposal to include queenmothers comes as part of suggested amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759). However, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cautioned that traditions across Ghana differ significantly and must not be generalized under a single legal framework. As he emphasized, some societies are patrilineal, while Asanteman is deeply rooted in matrilineal inheritance and cultural processes. Consequently, one uniform law, he argued, should not override these differences.
Moreover, he issued a strong warning against any attempt to alter the well established traditions of Asanteman. He firmly stated that as custodian of the Golden Stool, he would not permit any policy or law that contradicts the region’s cultural heritage. In his view, the Houses of Chiefs themselves are modern institutional frameworks, not originally part of traditional systems, and therefore must not be used as instruments to redefine long standing customs.
During the meeting, Justice Hannah Taylor of the High Court also officially swore in the Kwamanghene, Nana Debrah Boateng Bediako, as a full member of the House of Chiefs. This event further reinforced the cultural significance of chieftaincy and its structured leadership processes.
In addition to addressing the queenmothers’ inclusion proposal, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also expressed concern over the increasing encroachment around the Owabi Dam. He criticized relevant authorities, including the Lands Commission and Ghana Water Limited, for allowing illegal structures near the vital water source. According to him, the law clearly prohibits construction around water bodies, yet enforcement has been weak.
Therefore, he called for stronger collaboration between local chiefs and state institutions to protect the dam. He stressed that safeguarding the Owabi Dam is essential to ensuring sustainable water supply for communities in the Ashanti Region.
In summary, the Asantehene’s firm stance reinforces the importance of respecting cultural identity, safeguarding tradition, and maintaining structures that have supported Asanteman for centuries. As discussions on chieftaincy reforms continue, his message highlights the delicate balance between modernization and cultural preservation.
