Speaking to those who know better and hold expertise in cultural matters, several questions arise in respect of the ongoing debate as to which language should welcome people into the country at the Kotoka International Airport, KIA.
Question 1: Which body or authority in Ghana is required by law to advise or speak on behalf of Ghanaians when it comes to cultural issues?
Answers: The National House of Chiefs by the provision of Article 272 of the Constitution,1992 has the mandate to advise on matters affecting chieftaincy, traditions or customs etc.
Question 2: What is the underlying philosophy of having a National House of Chiefs in a postcolonial African state?
Answer: The idea of having a National House of Chiefs in a post-colonial African state like Ghana is fundamental to the union of the country. This is because colonialism in Africa brought together several different tribal or ethnic groups together to form the colonial state under the pax or peace of the colonial master.
In the post-colonial situation, having a National House of Chiefs is crucial in wielding together the different ethnic groups. In other words, when the chiefs as rulers of the various indigenous, ethnic or tribal groups speak through the National House of Chiefs, it symptomises unity and cohesion. In Ghana, when the National House speaks, they do so on behalf of all the chiefs in the country. Experiences have shown that this bears testimony in the 53 or so years of its existence.
Question 3: Why is this united voice of the chiefs important to our present democracy?
Answer: The united voice of the chiefs is important because unguided public debate about issues along tribal lines can create tension, discord, and mistrust among communities in the country. In a nutshell, whether welcome at the KIA should be in Ga or Twi, the debate in an unbridled manner in the public space does not at all help national cohesion.
Questions 4: How did it all come about? Was the National House of Chiefs consulted? If so, what was their advice or opinion? Or has this discussion been left as free for all?
Answer: Let’s all reflect… for a moment for the answer or answers.
Question 5: Has the Ghanaian experience of having a National House of Chiefs being a success?
Answer: Yes! It has been a remarkable success to the extent that South Africa, Uganda, Liberia among others in their subsequent constitutions after 1992 adopted the Ghanaian example. That is to say, the neutrality (even if supposedly but not in reality) of the traditional authorities and reverence for chieftaincy as a unifying force in nation-building.
By James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr. Ph.D. (UCC, Development Studies), Lecturer, UPSA
