Traditional Leaders have combined spiritual, socio-economic and political leadership in Ghana. Their role in modern day democracy is not prominent in urban centres; in rural areas, however, they still wield significant power in decisionmaking. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees the institution of Chieftaincy, including traditional councils as established by customary law and usage. Moreover, respect for traditional authorities remains strong in many areas. Accordingly, the effective implementation of MEAs – particularly those relating to rural areas and requiring local and decentralised measures to implement (e.g., CBD, UNCCD, CITES, etc.) – can depend upon effectively engaging traditional leaders.
Ghana has made various efforts to engage traditional leaders in decisiomaking processes relating to the environment and natural resources. Chiefs and traditional leaders are appointed as members of the Council of State and boards of public institutions. The current Board Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency is an eminent traditional leader who has demonstrated his commitment to the environment in his area of jurisdiction.
For more information, contact epaed@epaghana.org or see http://www.epaghana.org