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The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) will launch a Research Report titled "Ghana's Traditional Authorities in Governance and Development. The event will be held on Wednesday August 3, 2011 at the IDEG Auditorium from 10.00am - l: 00pm. The Research Report is the product of a study undertaken by IDEG in 2009, to examine the extent to which the institution of Chieftaincy has functioned in the governance and development sector of Ghana. The research further investigated the paradox surrounding the role of chiefs in the democratic development of Ghana following calls by Chiefs for a more clearly defined role in the political governance of their areas of jurisdiction and in the social and economic development of the country. The call by Chiefs for more involvement in national governance also comes at a time of increasing numbers of Chieftaincy succession disputes and related land litigation. The position of Chieftaincy in national development has remained ambiguous in the modern history of Ghana even though the institution continues to enjoy support and loyalty from a large section of the society. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana per article 270(1), guarantees the institution of Chieftaincy, together with its traditional councils as established by customary law and usage. Despite this constitutional provision, the institution has not been integrated into the mainstream formal governance structures, which could have subjected Chiefs to the same rules of transparency, accountability and the test of equity and justice as democratic rules do for public office holders. Yet the democratic society that the country is committed to building is one in which the standard of good governance need to be standardized and enforced to ensure that the well-being and security of citizens would remain the supreme guide in the conduct of public affairs everywhere. This report suggests that Chiefs are constrained from effectively participating in governance and promoting development in their communities and the nation by the fact that they operate outside the formal framework of governance. It thus raises a number of pertinent policy questions that must be addressed if the institution of Chieftaincy is to function effectively in the governance and development of Ghana. The report will be launched by Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Esikado Traditional Area and chaired by Naa Prof. John S. Nabila, President of the National House of Chiefs. Prof. George Hagan, former Chairman, National Commission on Culture and Prof Albert Awedoba, former Deputy Director, Institute for African Studies will review the report. Participants at the launch will include representatives from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Institute for Local Government Studies, District Assemblies, Traditional Councils, Academia, Queen Mothers, Development Partners, Political Parties, and the Media, among others. For further enquiries please contact Ms. Amy Dennis on 0302-543320, 0544 357752 or email [email protected] Dr. Kwamena Anaman Director of Programmes