Changing Roles of Akan Queenmothers: A Study of Nana Yaa Asantewaa II: Changes In Female Traditional Authority In Ghana

Traditional Authority is still an important institution in Africa and still holds considerable amount of space and influence especially in rural communities. Traditional authority has taken a more modern complexion: a fusion between the old which is regarded relevant to tradition and the new which is more development oriented. The role of a queenmother as part of traditional authority in Ghana is more challenging these days as it is evident in changing times. Thus, Akan queenmothers have an interesting role to perform with regards to their position as co-rulers to the chiefs and the ones who elect successive chiefs when the stool is vacant. More recently, their position and authority is more secured with their ability to initiate socio-economic developmental projects in their communities.

Lydia Amoah is a Teaching Assistant at the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy at the University of Ghana, Legon. She has a Master of Arts degree in African Studies and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. Her research interests are in Female Traditional Authority and Gender, Sexuality and Sports. Lydia enjoys playing Badminton.