The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has firmly rejected a proposal to allow queenmothers to participate in formal sittings of the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, insisting that such a move would be inconsistent with Asante customs and traditions.
Speaking at a sitting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs in Kumasi, the Asantehene stressed that chieftaincy practices differ from one traditional area to another and should not be altered through a one-size-fits-all approach. He cautioned against attempts to impose uniform rules that disregard long-established customs.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II explained that within the Asante traditional system, queenmothers play a highly respected and influential role, particularly in the selection and guidance of chiefs, but do not take part in formal House deliberations.
“Traditions and customs are not the same everywhere. Our custom is that queenmothers advise behind closed doors, and that role must be respected,” the Asantehene said.
The comments were made against the backdrop of discussions around proposed reforms to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), including suggestions for the creation of a Chamber of Queenmothers and their inclusion in House of Chiefs sittings. The Asantehene described such proposals as potentially disruptive to the foundations of Asante customary governance.
While rejecting the proposal, Otumfuo acknowledged the indispensable role queenmothers play in traditional leadership and community life, emphasizing that his position should not be misconstrued as diminishing their importance.
The remarks, captured in a short video clip, have since gone viral on social media, sparking nationwide debate on the balance between tradition and gender inclusion in Ghana’s chieftaincy system. While some have praised the Asantehene for defending custom, others argue for reforms to reflect contemporary governance values.
Members of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs present at the meeting expressed support for the Asantehene’s stance, underscoring the need to preserve Asante traditions while engaging in broader national conversations on chieftaincy reforms.