Female Traditional Leaders (Queen Mothers) and Community Planning and Development in Ghana

Collins Adjei Mensah,Kwabena Barima Antwi,Suleman Dauda

doi:10.5296/emsd.v3i1.5142

Collins Adjei Mensah, Kwabena Barima Antwi + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5296/emsd.v3i1.5142

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Abstract

Women play significant roles in the society and their involvement in community planning and development are well appreciated by many international bodies. This paper sought to explore the contribution of female traditional leaders (queen mothers) to community planning and development which often tend to focus on their male counterparts (kings or chiefs). Twenty-five (25) queen mothers in the Akuapim North District in Ghana (study area) were selected for the study. As a cross-check and to get a true picture of the contribution of queen mothers, 125 residents in the area were also randomly selected for the study. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guide constituted the research instruments. In all, the queen mothers contribution centred on gender related issues in community planning and development such as provision of housing, education, healthcare, water, and transport networks. However, the activities of the queen mothers towards community planning and development were found to be limited by financial constraints. The paper concludes that there is a need to support and actively involve queen mothers in the planning and implementation of community development projects. Their rich experience and support can be harnessed and utilized to enhance sustainable community planning and development.

Highlights

Active participation of women in planning and development of communities has been recognized as a key contribution to sustainable development of communities (Hassan & Silong, 2008)
According to Udensi et al (2012), and Ozor and Nwankwo (2008), for a successful community planning and development to be achieved, community leaders or traditional leaders should be actively involved since they act as pioneers of development projects and play an influential role to source funds for development projects and motivate the local people to participate in the development process
Queen mothers in the Akuapim North District play critical roles in the development of the district. Their involvement in community planning and development was found to have benefited the district in diverse ways

Summary

Introduction

Active participation of women in planning and development of communities has been recognized as a key contribution to sustainable development of communities (Hassan & Silong, 2008). In the 21st century, the focus of town planning has been oriented to factor in the participation of women in the planning process so as to make planning an effective tool for governments and local authorities to achieve sustainable development at the national, regional and locals levels (UN Habitat, 2012). According to Udensi et al (2012), and Ozor and Nwankwo (2008), for a successful community planning and development to be achieved, community leaders or traditional leaders should be actively involved since they act as pioneers of development projects and play an influential role to source funds for development projects and motivate the local people to participate in the development process

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