Talk:Chieftaincy institution (Ghana)

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3 Hierarchy 3.1 Omanhene 3.2 Krontihene 3.3 Ankobeahene 3.4 Obaatan 3.5 Tufohene 3.6 Asafohene 3.7 Manwerehene 3.8 Sanaahene 3.9 Adontehene 3.10 Nkyidomhene 3.11 Nifahene 3.12 Benkumhene 3.13 Akyempimhene 3.14 Mankrado 3.15 Guantuahene 3.16 Nsumankwahene 3.17 Nkosuohene

A chief arbitrates and decides political and economic questions in his area. When he is installed, he receives a stool name. Usually, all chiefs who belong to a reigning lineage have the same name – an ordinal being added to distinguish between all of them.

Omanhene The English translation of the title Omanhene is King. In rare cases, Queens themselves would be kings, a prime example being Okyenhene Nana Afia Dokuaa. This and the position of Obaapanin or Queen are the only ones that are obtained through descent from the ruling clan.

Krontihene The Krontihene is caretaker of the land and second-in-command after the Omanhene.

Ankobeahene Ankobea means one who stays at home or does not go anywhere. The Ankobeahene is the caretaker of the palace.

Obaatan Obaatan means "parent" and is a female role. Her symbol is the egg, out of which all other chiefs came. She is Omanhene's counsellor. When Omanhene's stool is vacant, Obaatan suggests the next incumbent. She is expected to consider all factors such as the character of the available candidates, their royal descent and their contribution to the royal family. Mostly the lineage and order of birth is given a paramount consideration in the selection process. Although found in other traditions, the position of Obaatan does not fit into the Akan chieftaincy structure proper. The one who suggests and nominates the Omanhene amongst the Akans is the Obaahemaa (or Queen mother).

Tufohene The "warlord" is the head of all the Asafo companies (or head of the gunners). Tufohene translates loosely in Akan as 'the chief of the gunners', .

Asafohene The Asafohene is the head of a single Asafo company.

Manwerehene The head of the interior.

Sanaahene The head of the treasury.

Adontehene There are four positions describing military flanks. The Adontehene is the one who goes in front of the army.

Nkyidomhene He collects the soldiers who are left behind and sends them back to the army. During Odambea, the Nkyidom always sits in the last palanquin.

Nifahene The Nifahene holds the right flank of the army's formation.

Benkumhene The Benkumhene holds the left flank of the army's formation (also in modern governance known as the left wing).

Akyempimhene If there is anything to distribute or to share, the Akyempimhene (or vice-king) has to do it. He is the first son of the king. He also protects the king, his father, with each king deciding whether to give the title to his literal son or to a close favourite. He also enjoys the authority of arriving in a palanquin after the Asantehene is seated; he alone has that authority to do so. He is also the head of all the Kumasi royals. Otumfuo Opoku Ware (Katakyie) created this title. Usually the first sons of the kings are the ones that ascend this stool. He is also the head of the Kyidom clan (Fekuo). Due to the matrilineal system of inheritance, sons do not automatically succeed their fathers as kings. Kings are by and large selected from among the sons of the deceased king's close female relations. This title is therefore a convenient means of ennobling a king's son without upsetting the royal succession.

Mankrado The Mankrado's function is purification. He puts leaves into water, then sprinkles it over the Omanhene. He also always has salt in his pocket so that he can make things taste better for the Omanhene.

Guantuahene The title of the Guantuahene is a comparatively recent innovation. The Guantoahene is the one to whom people can turn for shelter and mercy.

Nsumankwahene The Nsumankwahene watches the oracle. This title is also a relatively recent creation. The Nsumankwahene is a spiritual head of the community/communities. In the past it was the chief priest who performed this role.

Nkosuohene The Nkosuohene is responsible for the development of the region. The Nkosuohene was created to honor someone who does not have to be a member of a royal family. Created by the Ashanti, a small number of selected foreigners have been honored with this title which appreciates the contribution of non-royals.§←←←−154.160.4.72 (talk) 15:28, 18 August 2020 (UTC)\