The Role of Traditional Leaders in Governance Structure Through the Observance of Taboos in Cape Coast, Kumasi and Teshie Societies of Ghana

The specific objective of the study was to identify the role of traditional leaders in Cape Coast, Kumasi and Teshie in the governance structure of their societies through the observance of taboos. It was to have a good understanding of what constitutes governance and good governance in the context of the indigenous set-up; to assess the current nature of governance related taboos; and to evaluate the impact of contemporary society on taboos and the consequence of any impact of contemporary society on the taboos on indigenous governance. The research was guided by Creswell’s knowledge on research paradigm to describe a researcher’s philosophical view and conceptualization of reality. The research adopted mixed method approach in achieving the objective of the research by obtaining empirical data for the research questions. Two sets of instruments were adopted for data gathering. The first instrument was an interview guide that was used to solicit structured data from the respondents in order to elicit more candid and objective replies. The second instrument was a questionnaire, which was used in order to gather the exact responses relevant to the research from participants. The study found out that traditional rulers occupy unique position, hence in order to maintain certain standards to please their subjects on whose authority they rule, they cannot avoid observing taboos. It further showed that the Chieftaincy institution is an institution that cannot be done away with. It is recommended that both citizens and non-citizens in these traditional societies should be made to appreciate, respect and observe taboos associated with taboo days as a means to promote unity, peace and governance.