By Alex Ababio
Background to a Renewed Traditional Debate
A fresh national debate has emerged over the role of queen mothers within Ghana’s chieftaincy system following comments by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, rejecting the idea of including queen mothers as members of the House of Chiefs, particularly within Asanteman. The remarks have triggered strong reactions from the National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)-Ghana, which has described the position as troubling and out of step with Ghana’s evolving cultural and legal framework.
In a formal press statement, the National Queen Mothers’ Platform-Ghana expressed regret and concern over the Asantehene’s rejection, describing his comments as “deeply concerning and very unfortunate.” The Platform insists that while tradition must be respected, it must also respond to changing social realities and constitutional principles.
Asantehene’s Statement at Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made his position clear during the end-of-year meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs. Addressing the proposal for queen mothers to be admitted into both the regional and national houses of chiefs, the Asantehene firmly opposed the idea.
While acknowledging the importance of queen mothers in the chieftaincy institution, he emphasized that their role, according to Asante custom, is not a public one. “Per our customs and traditions, queenmothers play their role privately and not publicly,” the Asantehene stated.
He further stressed, “Asanteman’s customs and traditions are that queenmothers have the authority to select chiefs and counsel them privately while the chiefs deliberate and speak publicly on everyone’s behalf.” According to him, this traditional arrangement has long defined governance within Asanteman and should not be altered.
These remarks were widely reported, including in related coverage headlined “Asantehene kicks against queenmothers becoming members of House of Chiefs.”
Queen Mothers Push Back: QMP-Ghana Responds
Reacting to the Asantehene’s comments, the National Queen Mothers’ Platform-Ghana argued that Ghana as a state has progressed beyond rigid interpretations of tradition. The Platform stated that “the state of Ghana has not only come a very long way but also bigger than anyone or group of persons.”
The press statement was signed by the President of QMP-Ghana, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, who is also the Queenmother of the Osudoku Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region. Under her leadership, the Platform has consistently advocated for stronger recognition of queen mothers within governance and national development structures.
According to QMP-Ghana, the Asantehene’s position does not reflect the diversity of Ghanaian cultural practices nor the historical evolution of chieftaincy across different regions. “Ghanaian culture has transformed itself and gone through a series of modifications over the years to reflect modern societal needs and aspirations,” the statement noted.
Tradition Versus Transformation
The Platform acknowledged that the Asantehene’s views may be rooted in established Asante customs, but argued that such customs cannot be applied wholesale to the entire country. In their view, Ghana’s traditions are not static but dynamic.
A senior cultural anthropologist from the University of Ghana, interviewed for this report, explained that “chieftaincy institutions across Ghana have never been uniform. In some societies, queen mothers historically exercised public authority, including adjudication and representation.” He added that tradition has always adapted to social change, rather than remaining frozen in time.
The QMP-Ghana further argued that limiting queen mothers to private advisory roles undermines their public leadership and community responsibilities, especially in areas such as women’s welfare, child protection, and social cohesion.
Legal Dimensions and the Gender Equity Debate
One of the strongest arguments raised by QMP-Ghana relates to Ghana’s evolving legal framework. The Platform pointed out that the Asantehene’s stance contradicts the Affirmative Gender Equity Bill passed by Parliament. While the bill focuses broadly on increasing women’s representation in governance and decision-making, QMP-Ghana believes its spirit applies equally to traditional institutions.
A constitutional law expert interviewed for this special report noted that “although chieftaincy is protected under customary law, it does not exist outside the Constitution. Any customary practice that systematically excludes women from public decision-making is likely to face increasing legal and moral scrutiny.”
The expert added that Ghana’s commitment to international gender equality instruments also places pressure on traditional systems to reform in inclusive ways.
Call for Dialogue, Not Division
Rather than escalating tensions, QMP-Ghana has called for calm, dialogue, and stakeholder engagement. The Platform emphasized that the issue could be “easily and amicably resolved through an extensive dialogue and stakeholder engagement” rather than through what it described as “the current verbal exchanges.”
According to the Platform, open discussions involving traditional leaders, queen mothers, legal experts, cultural scholars, and policymakers would help protect “the entire sanctity of the chieftaincy institution.”
A traditional governance researcher from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology observed in an interview that “dialogue has always been the backbone of customary law. When institutions talk to each other, reform becomes less threatening and more sustainable.”
Appeal to the Asantehene
The Executives of QMP-Ghana made a direct appeal to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to clarify his position. They argued that ambiguity and rigidity on such a sensitive matter could weaken the unity of the chieftaincy institution.
“This position is not healthy enough for the unity and strength of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana,” the Platform stated, particularly as the country seeks national cohesion, peace, progress, and development.
Several queen mothers interviewed for this report expressed concern that continued exclusion from formal structures could discourage younger women from engaging with traditional leadership. One queen mother remarked, “When our voices are not heard publicly, the next generation may see tradition as irrelevant to their lives.”
Proposal for a Chamber of Queen Mothers
Beyond responding to the Asantehene’s comments, QMP-Ghana advanced a concrete proposal: the establishment of a Chamber of Queen Mothers. According to the Platform, such a body would bring all queen mothers under one national umbrella.
Currently, numerous queen mothers’ associations operate independently across the country. QMP-Ghana believes this fragmentation weakens collective advocacy and coordination. “A Chamber of Queen Mothers would reduce the numerous associations of Queen Mothers dotted across the country,” the statement explained.
The Platform concluded that a unified structure would foster unity and growth, enabling queen mothers to participate more effectively in national events and policy discussions. It would also strengthen advocacy for women and children’s welfare “across the length and breadth of the country.”
A gender policy specialist consulted for this report supported the idea, stating that “institutional coherence is key to influence. A national chamber would give queen mothers visibility, legitimacy, and a stronger negotiating voice.”
The Way Forward for Chieftaincy in Modern Ghana
The debate over queen mothers’ inclusion in the House of Chiefs touches on deeper questions about tradition, gender, and governance in modern Ghana. While Otumfuo Osei Tutu II maintains that Asante customs assign queen mothers private advisory roles, QMP-Ghana insists that national development requires broader participation.
As Ghana continues its democratic and social evolution, the challenge remains how to respect deeply held traditions while ensuring equity and inclusion. Whether through dialogue, legal reform, or new institutional arrangements like a Chamber of Queen Mothers, many observers agree that the issue demands careful, respectful engagement.
As one cultural historian put it during an interview for this report, “The strength of chieftaincy lies not in resistance to change, but in its ability to adapt without losing its soul.”