Traditional authorities in local governance: A case study of the Jirapa traditional area

Abstract

The term "development" which used to be equated with economic wellbeing is now given a human face. It is now measured in terms of how the governed or a people within a particular location and or a common identity are satisfied economically, socially and politically. Nevertheless, an often overlooked dimension has been the role traditional authorities play in the governance process. The role of traditional authorities in local governance in the Jirapa traditional area was the subject of the study. The research design consisted of various methods of data collection, including in-depth face-to-face interviews, document reviews and observation. A purposive sample of local development actors were selected for the study. The population was made up of opinion leaders, settlers, chiefs, fetish priests, identified group leaders, landlords, family heads and local government staff. The instruments were pre-tested for reliability. The study found that traditional authorities were very important in the promotion of democratic practices. However, traditional authorities were limited in performing these roles because the District Assembly saw them to be important in the traditional setting and not in the work of the District Assembly. Traditional authorities were found to empower people, resolve conflicts and promote sustainable development. They also promote accountability, participation, equity and transparency. It emerged from the study that the District Assembly had not critically assessed these potentials in traditional authorities and only dwelt on their different ideological perspectives rather than the common goals the two parties were working to achieve.