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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Divided sovereignty: traditional authority and the State in Ghana
Author:Ray, Donald I.ISNI
Year:1996
Periodical:Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law
Issue:37-38
Pages:181-202
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:political systems
chieftaincy
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/07329113.1996.10756479
Abstract:Using the case of Ghana, the author argues that traditional authorities form a parallel power to the State because, in most cases, chiefs derive their legitimacy and authority from precolonial roots, while the State is a creation of and a successor to the imposed colonial State. Where chiefs have been seen as competitors for sovereignty, the State has moved to limit their power. The author explores the question of divided sovereignty in Ghana, analysing the relationship between the State and the chiefs by considering indicators of sovereignty drawn from constitutional and legislative instruments, most notably the right or ability to determine chiefly status, as well as evidence of challenges to peace and State security resulting from a number of chieftaincy disputes which erupted into violence during the period December 1993 to August 1994. Research included fieldwork in Ghana in 1983, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1992 and 1994. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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