Akan chieftaincy
In many parts of West Africa, there is an old chieftaincy tradition, and the Akan people have developed their own hierarchy, which exists alongside the democratic structure of the country.
The term "chief" has become common even among modern Ghanaians, though it would be more correct to use the expression "Nana" without translation wherever possible.
When the Akan were settling in Bonoman, in the period before 1300, Bonos had already long used the chieftaincy system.
The highest ranked of the entire Akan chieftaincy institution is the paramount chief.
A sub-chief can be compared to the mayor of a town, except that his office is hereditary as opposed to elective.
Most of the functions are traditional, while some have been created recently: A chief arbitrates and decides political and economic questions in his area.
Ahemfo is the general title for native city-state rulers in Akan culture.
Historically, Ohene, the most common title for the King is the singular form of Ahemfo.
Ohemaa is the feminine version of Ohene and means Queen or female ruler.
However Henewaa or Heneba (with the feminine suffix wa or ba) is sometimes used for CHILD of a Chief (M or FM)..
In rare cases, Queens themselves would be Custodians of the Chieftaincy until a relevant male from the Royal Household is chosen as chief.
Although found in other traditions, the position of Obaatan does not fit into the Akan chieftaincy structure proper.
Due to the matrilineal system of inheritance, sons do not automatically succeed their fathers as kings.
This title is therefore a convenient means of ennobling a king's son without upsetting the royal succession.
Created by the Ashanti, a small number of selected foreigners have been honored with this title which appreciates the contribution of non-royals.
Traditionally, the priest tells the chief when it is time to start a war or to marry, for example.
A chief never talks in public, but conveys messages through his linguist, who is also responsible for the pouring of libations.
Her role in the system is to have an eye on the social conditions, and a personally capable Queen mother has been known to equal or even surpass a reigning chief in terms of power and prestige.
The Queen mother (or Ohemaa) is expected to nominate someone to the position of the chief if it should become vacant.
In some areas, this function is performed by the Abusuapanyin (or head of the clan) in consultation with other family members instead.
On special occasions, chiefs wear the traditional cloth, which is a six-yard-long piece of fabric, wrapped around the body and worn as a toga.
When riding in a palanquin, chiefs hold a fly-whisk in one hand and a ceremonial sword in the other.
The chief touches the animal's throat symbolically with his sword before someone else cuts it with a sharp knife.
