The role of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as a traditional ruler in Ghana has sparked public debate.
Proponents assert that Asanteman has a reigning king governing the Ashanti Kingdom. Conversely, some argue against the existence of a kingdom and, consequently, the absence of a king in Ghana.
Critics of the notion that there is no king or kingdom in Ghana point to the country’s chieftaincy laws, specifically the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759).
Section 58 of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) outlines the categories of chiefs in Ghana.
(a) the Asantehene and Paramount Chiefs,
(b) Divisional Chiefs,
(c) Sub-divisional Chiefs,
(d) Adikrofo, and
(e) other chiefs recognised by the National House.
They also cite the mention of the Regional House of Chiefs and National House of Chiefs as the authorities responsible for overseeing traditional areas, emphasizing that the term “kingdom” is not explicitly used in these contexts.
However, it appears that the Asantehene has addressed the debate about whether he is a king or not.
During the climax of the 57th Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Friday, November 24, 2024, the Asantehene explicitly referred to the territory under his authority as a kingdom.
In a well-articulated statement delivered in English, he left no room for ambiguity as he advised the government on addressing the issue of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
Here is what the Asantehene said:
“Not so long ago, we all heard of actions I took against some chiefs in my kingdom who were either covertly or overtly involved in galamsey activities… I urge the government to take reciprocal actions in the fight against galamsey.”
What is a kingdom:
The National Geographic Society aligns with the definition found in many dictionaries, stating that a kingdom refers to a piece of land or territory governed by a king or queen who holds the authority to make all decisions.
Typically, the king or queen of a kingdom inherits their position through birth or marriage, assuming the role of leadership for their territory.
Kingdoms are frequently subdivided into smaller territories like city-states or provinces, each overseen by officials appointed by the monarch.
These appointed officials bear the responsibility of reporting all occurrences within their respective areas to the sovereign (the king or queen).