Transformations in traditional rule in Ghana (1951-1996)

This work traces the ebbs and flows of the influence of traditional rule in Ghanaian politics since 1951, the beginning of the end of the colonial era. The study's starting point is Ashanti, and the author goes on to show that whereas traditional rule waned in the first phase of independence under the government of the Convention Peoples' Party and Kwame Nkrumah, it grew it strength during subsequent periods of military regime. The author explores and suggests explanations for the revival and strengthening of the institution under military regimes and the linkage between traditional rule and political/military coups in a political climate where military interventions were becoming regular features of African political culture. There is also a chapter on the position of women in the system of traditional rule.