Asantehene’s opposition to inclusion of Queen Mothers in Houses of Chiefs inconsistent with evolving culture – QMP
The National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)–Ghana has expressed concern over the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s rejection of proposals to include Queen Mothers in the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, describing the stance as inconsistent with Ghana’s evolving cultural and governance framework.
In a statement signed by its President and Paramount Queen Mother of the Osudoku Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, the Platform said Ghana’s culture had undergone significant transformation over the years to respond to modern societal needs and aspirations, including issues of equity and inclusive participation.
The QMP said while it respected the authority of the Asantehene and acknowledged the importance of cultural precedents, his position did not fully reflect the broader Ghanaian traditional system, where Queen Mothers play critical leadership and governance roles.
The reaction follows comments by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the final 2025 meeting of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs held in Kumasi on Friday, December 19, where he dismissed proposals for the inclusion of Queen Mothers, arguing that such arrangements had no cultural or customary basis.
The proposal, being championed by the National House of Chiefs under the leadership of its President and Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, includes amendments to the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), to establish a Chamber of Queen Mothers and grant them seats alongside chiefs during formal sittings, as part of efforts to promote gender equity.
The QMP noted that although the Asantehene’s position may be informed by specific customary considerations, it appeared to contradict the spirit of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act passed by Parliament in July 2024, which seeks to expand women’s participation in leadership and decision-making at all levels.
The Platform called for calm dialogue and broad stakeholder engagement to resolve the matter amicably, stressing that sustained verbal exchanges could undermine the unity and sanctity of the chieftaincy institution.
It appealed to the Asantehene to further clarify his position, noting that a unified and inclusive traditional leadership structure was essential to national cohesion, peace and development.
The QMP further said the establishment of a Chamber of Queen Mothers would streamline the activities of the various Queen Mother associations across the country, foster unity and strengthen their collective advocacy for women and children’s welfare nationwide.
Story By Kekeli K. Blamey.
