QUESTION 1

In the words of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the institution of chieftaincy, together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and usage is guaranteed. Many people have their own views about what this means, and in Ghana, what this means may not be clear to all citizens or persons.

Mr. Yuor Yaan is a citizen of Ghana and hails from the Dikpe Royal family of the Upper West Region. Yaan has on several occasions shown sufficient signs that he is unclear about the meaning of the referred words of the Constitution on the institution of chieftaincy. Not only this, he is also confused about a number of issues in respect of the institution of chieftaincy. With your knowledge of chieftaincy matter and the law in Ghana, explain to Mr. Yaan:

1.Who a chief is,

2.What is a chieftaincy matter,

3.Which courts have jurisdiction over chieftaincy matter and,

4.Advise him as to whether a member of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs can be appointed a Speaker of Parliament.

Your explanation should reflect the position of the current case law on the subject matter.

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