Female Traditional Leaders (Queen Mothers) and Community Planning and Development in Ghana

Abstract

Women play significant roles in the society and their involvement in community planning and development are well appreciated by many international bodies. This paper sought to explore the contribution of female traditional leaders (queen mothers) to community planning and development which often tend to focus on their male counterparts (kings or chiefs). Twenty-five (25) queen mothers in the Akuapim North District in Ghana (study area) were selected for the study. As a cross-check and to get a true picture of the contribution of queen mothers, 125 residents in the area were also randomly selected for the study. Questionnaire and in-depth interview guide constituted the research instruments. In all, the queen mothers contribution centred on gender related issues in community planning and development such as provision of housing, education, healthcare, water, and transport networks. However, the activities of the queen mothers towards community planning and development were found to be limited by financial constraints. The paper concludes that there is a need to support and actively involve queen mothers in the planning and implementation of community development projects. Their rich experience and support can be harnessed and utilized to enhance sustainable community planning and development.