As Ghana mourns the passing of His Royal Majesty Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, reflections on his legacy have renewed discussions about the enduring relevance of chieftaincy in modern Ghana. In this piece, Dr. H. S. Daannaa, a chieftaincy researcher, legal anthropologist and former Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, draws lessons from the history of Dagbon to argue that despite its challenges and conflicts, the institution of chieftaincy remains a vital asset to national development. Using Dagbon’s remarkable journey through colonial partition, internal disputes and eventual reconciliation, he highlights the resilience of traditional authority and the importance of patience, dialogue and appropriate conflict-resolution mechanisms in preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.

