Modern Chiefs: Tradition, development and return among traditional authorities in Ghana

Appointment of highly educated traditional authorities with an international migrant background in Europe or North America has become an important trend in the transformation of Ghanaian chieftaincy. In addition to being guardians of tradition and custom, 'return chiefs' are expected to support development and modernization in their local areas through their international experience and networks. However, as former migrants, 'return chiefs' are also seen as potentially estranged from local customs and realities. This situation thus presents a range of potential dilemmas of legitimacy and public authority.

In the article 'Modern Chiefs: Tradition, Development and Return among Traditional Authorities in Ghana', published in the journal African Affairs, Nauja Kleist examines dilemmas and resource mobilization practices among 'return chiefs'. The article presents two main arguments.

First, it argues that 'return chiefs' emphasize their foundation in tradition, while using their professional and international experience to spur local development and modernize the chieftaincy institution. They thus simultaneously practise and invoke 'the traditional' and 'the modern'.

Second, it argues that the transformation of Ghanaian chieftaincy is embedded in both local and global contexts. 'Return chiefs' go beyond local customs to bring development and innovation to their areas, mobilizing international networks, touring European and North American countries, and collaborating with international development agencies, NGOs, and migrants. Their practices are thus at once local and global. The article therefore calls for inclusion of both perspectives in contemporary chieftaincy studies.