Ethnicities and Political Structure

Politically Ghana is subdivided into the following regions with each region having an identified center.  We lived in Sunyani within the dark green Brong-Ahafo region, and usually ventured out from there towards the northwest and northeast.

This relatively simple regional division of the country becomes much more complex if traditional chieftancies are taken into account.  Chieftancies are determined by ethnic groups and within these groups there are subdivisions as well.

Ethnic Composition Ghana
Source: The Akans of Ghana, 2004

The largest of these groups is that of the Akan (see map below) which exhibit linguistically and culturally homogeneity; they are subdivided into 14 different groups, two more groups reside in Cote D'Ivoire and another three groups are considered half Akan. They are comprised of roughly 50% of Ghana's population and take up about 2/3rds of the land.
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The language of the Akan is Twi, a language almost used as a lingua franca throughout Ghana. The language is broadly divided into Twi and Fante with many mutually intelligible dialects. For more information on the language click here .


The Akans
Every Akan belongs to a clan, always that of his/ her mother (matrilineal). Clan members are  brethren and cannot intermarry. They inherit spirituality from their fathers which ultimately determines their general character.


Each Akan group and also the other tribal groups are governed by a paramount chief symbolized by a black stool. 
He serves as chief justice and is advised by a group of elders. The position of the paramount chief is supported primarily by his ability to attract development to the particular region, thus has close ties to the ruling government. There are sub-divisional chiefs as well some of who will serve as counsel to the paramount chief.  Kwame is such a counsel in his tribe. The voice for women is represented by the 'queenmother', also elected by the elders, and is not necessarily the wife or mother of the chief. She has the responsibility to determine a new chief in case of his destoolment or death. 

Of the Akans probably the most known is the subgroup of Ashantes or Asantis; the link will give you a quick historic overview.

Entrance to the palace museum.
The new residence (palace) of the present king (chief) is next door.

There is a house of chiefs when all chiefs come together to communicate and there is a National House of Chiefs which plays an important role in the ruling of the country. More on the topic can be found at chieftaincy.