Assessing the Role and Significance of Chiefs in the Governance of Cape Coast, Teshie and Kumasi Societies in Ghana

The study sought to assess the role and significance of chiefs in the traditional governance system of Cape Coast,Teshie and Kumasi communities in Ghana.This study employed the case study comparative approach.A total of 85 participants were selected for the study using the snowballing method of sampling.Data were collected using a four-point Likert scale questionnaire.Data analysis and presentation of results were done by using mean and standard deviation.The study revealed that chieftaincy as an institution is deeply rooted in the local communities.It further revealed that a chief is both the politico-military and religious head.It was recommended that there is the need for the modern state to go beyond just involving chiefs in only sod cutting ceremonies and other state functions to include them in the implementation of local development policies.Further to this,the roles and functions of traditional authorities and local government officials must be well-defined and agreed upon and the public must be made to understand this delineation of responsibilities brought by the government.