Accra: GaDangme queen mothers have called on the public, particularly brides and families organising traditional marriage ceremonies, to refrain from wearing regalia reserved for queen mothers and traditional leaders. The call was made by Naa Klorkai Densua Osamanye IV, Queen Mother of Pokuase and a member of the GaDangme Council of Kings and Queens Association.
According to Ghana News Agency, Naa Osamanye IV stated that the growing practice of brides wearing regalia traditionally reserved for queen mothers was gradually eroding the uniqueness, dignity, and authority associated with traditional leadership. Speaking at a meeting of traditional leaders, she emphasized that just as members of the security services could be identified by their uniforms, queen mothers also had distinctive attire that symbolized their status and authority.
Naa Osamanye IV remarked, 'Soldiers, police officers and other security personnel have uniforms that identify their profession. In the same way, queen mothers have traditional regalia that distinguish us as traditional leaders, and we believe these should be reserved for that purpose.' She noted the increasing trend of brides at traditional weddings wearing elaborate regalia similar to, and sometimes more elaborate than, those worn by queen mothers.
Reflecting on past customs, she recalled that brides often wore simple yet elegant traditional attire, usually made from GTP fabrics and complemented with modest beads and headscarves. 'The old customs allowed brides to dress beautifully while preserving the special identity of queen mothers. We should preserve those traditions,' she stated.
Naa Osamanye IV expressed concern that this trend was diminishing the distinction between traditional leaders and other participants at cultural events. She also observed that the increasing demand for elaborate kente and other traditional fabrics had contributed to rising prices, making it more expensive for queen mothers and traditional leaders to acquire ceremonial attire.
The queen mother appealed to fashion designers, event planners, and families to respect traditional customs by preserving regalia specifically associated with traditional authority. She further urged traditional leaders and cultural stakeholders to intensify public education on the importance of protecting Ghana's cultural heritage and ensuring that symbols of traditional leadership retained their significance.
The GaDangme queen mothers emphasized that preserving traditional dress codes would help maintain respect for traditional institutions while promoting Ghana's rich cultural identity.