Throughout history, Ghanaian women have played crucial leadership roles, often in ways that are not as publicly recognized as their male counterparts. Among these powerful women are the Queen Mothers of Ghana, who have held positions of authority in Ghanaian society for centuries.
Nowadays, as Ghana continues to modernize, the role of Queen Mothers remains relevant, with many of them actively participating in governance, women’s empowerment, and community development. In this article, we explore the significance of Queen Mothers in Ghana and their impact on political and social structures.
What is a Queen Mother in Ghana
The concept of Queen Mothers dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in Ghana’s traditional governance systems, particularly among the Akan people, the largest ethnic group in the country. The Akan political system is matrilineal, meaning that lineage and succession are traced through the mother’s side of the family. This system automatically gives women an important role in leadership and inheritance.
Despite the title, Queen Mothers are not the wives of kings but rather leaders in their own right, wielding significant political, social, and cultural influence.
While Western narratives of leadership often focus on male rulers, Ghana’s traditional governance structures have long included women in positions of power.
Queen Mothers have played an indispensable role in shaping Ghanaian society through their many roles such as advising kings and chiefs to resolving disputes, preserving culture, and advocating for their people.
In many Akan states, including the Ashanti Kingdom, Queen Mothers held and continue to hold the title “Ohemaa”, which translates to “Queen Mother.” These women are not merely symbolic figures; they are responsible for selecting and advising chiefs and kings, ensuring the continuity of leadership and the welfare of their people.
Other ethnic groups in Ghana, such as the Ewe, Ga, and Dagomba, also have women in leadership roles similar to Queen Mothers, though their titles and specific responsibilities may differ.
The Political Power of Queen Mothers
One of the most important roles of a Queen Mother is selecting the next chief or king. While men hold the title of king (Omanhene) or chief (Nana), it is often the Queen Mother who plays a key role in their appointment.
When a chief dies, the Queen Mother, in consultation with elders and council members, nominates a successor. Her deep knowledge of royal lineage, traditions, and leadership qualities ensures that the right candidate is chosen.
In addition to appointing leaders, Queen Mothers serve as advisors to kings and chiefs, influencing key decisions affecting their communities. They participate in traditional councils and help settle disputes, offer guidance on governance, and ensure that justice is served.
Unlike many male chiefs, Queen Mothers are often seen as more accessible and are frequently approached by women and marginalized members of society seeking support or mediation.
Advocates for Women’s Rights and Social Welfare
Queen Mothers have historically been strong advocates for women’s rights, playing a crucial role in empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard. In traditional Ghanaian society, they have worked to address issues such as early marriage, domestic violence, and access to education.
Their advocacy for women’s well-being extends to economic empowerment, with many Queen Mothers supporting initiatives that provide financial resources, vocational training, and business opportunities for women.
For example, some Queen Mothers have established women’s cooperatives that help local women engage in economic activities such as farming, textile production, and trading. These initiatives provide financial stability and also foster community development and self-sufficiency.
In contemporary Ghana, Queen Mothers continue to champion gender equality and women’s participation in politics. They often collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, and government institutions to advance women’s rights, promote education for girls, and combat gender-based violence.
Cultural Preservation and Community Leadership
Queen Mothers are also custodians of tradition and culture. They ensure that traditional customs, festivals, and moral values are preserved and passed down to younger generations. In Ghanaian society, storytelling, proverbs, and rituals are integral parts of education and socialization, and Queen Mothers play a key role in maintaining these practices.
During annual festivals and traditional ceremonies, Queen Mothers take center stage, performing rituals, leading processions, and educating the community on the significance of these events. Their presence reinforces the importance of cultural identity and heritage, particularly in an era of increasing globalization.
Beyond cultural preservation, Queen Mothers serve as mediators and peacekeepers. In times of conflict, whether between families, clans, or political factions, they use their wisdom and diplomacy to negotiate peace. This role has been particularly important in areas affected by land disputes and chieftaincy conflicts.
Challenges Faced by a Queen Mother in Ghana
Despite their significant contributions, Queen Mothers face numerous challenges in modern Ghana. Over time, their roles have been diminished due to colonial and post-colonial governance structures that prioritized male-dominated leadership systems.
The British colonial administration, for example, focused on dealing with male chiefs, marginalizing the authority of Queen Mothers. Even in independent Ghana, formal political structures have often overlooked the role of women in traditional leadership.
In addition, modernization and urbanization have shifted societal dynamics, with many young people moving away from rural communities where Queen Mothers have the most influence. This has led to a gradual decline in the traditional authority of Queen Mothers in some regions.
Another challenge is the lack of formal recognition and legal power. Unlike chiefs, who receive government stipends and official recognition, Queen Mothers are often left without financial or institutional support. This has made it difficult for them to carry out their responsibilities effectively, especially in cases where their authority is questioned or undermined.
The Resurgence of Queen Mothers in Modern Ghana
Despite these challenges, there has been a renewed effort to restore the importance of Queen Mothers in Ghanaian society. Many traditional councils and government agencies now recognize the value of their leadership, and some Queen Mothers have been appointed to influential national committees.
Organizations such as the National Council of Women Traditional Leaders (NCWTL) have been established to give Queen Mothers a collective voice in governance and policy making. Some Queen Mothers are also working with international bodies like the United Nations to promote gender equality, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, younger generations are beginning to appreciate the role of Queen Mothers, with some modern women embracing traditional leadership alongside their professional careers in politics, academia, and business.
