Independent Presidential Candidate Advocates for Integration of Chieftaincy in Ghana’s Economic Model

Accra: An independent presidential candidate in Ghana's 2024 elections has unveiled a novel economic development model that emphasizes the integration of the chieftaincy institution into the nation's governance and development process. According to Ghana News Agency, the proposed 'Bipolar Institutional Governance (BIG) Ghana Model' is a strategic initiative by the George Twum-Barima-Adu/Nyaaba-Aweeba Azongo ticket. This model aims to establish a triple helix policy encompassing capital, land, and factor-driven partnerships. The framework envisions the government as the policy enabler, the private sector as the growth engine, and the traditional authority as the development vehicle. Nyaaba-Aweeba Azongo, the vice-presidential candidate, criticized the current unipolar development governance framework for excluding traditional authorities. He argued that the prevalent Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, seen as unsuitable for Ghana's context, has been adopted without considering the role of traditional a uthorities. He emphasized that the private sector, while crucial for job creation and revenue, cannot solely drive development. Azongo, a seasoned development consultant, identified the exclusion of the chieftaincy institution as a central issue in Ghana's leadership crisis. He advocated for a redefined role for chiefs as integral partners in national development, leveraging their access to a global network of Ghanaian expertise. Azongo stressed that chiefs should not be passive observers in the development process but proactive leaders addressing challenges like poverty and environmental threats. The Twum-Barima-Adu/Azongo ticket proposes two key initiatives within the Domestic Direct Investment framework. The first, the Traditional Area Investment Fund (TRAIN Fund), aims to mobilize a minimum of GHc two billion in its first year. This fund will focus on agriculture and tourism, sectors where traditional authorities control land use. The second initiative involves a triple helix partnership for forest reso urce management, integrating traditional sector participation in land resource agreements. Azongo highlighted the need to incorporate traditional governance structures into the public-private partnership framework, aiming to foster sustainable local economies through indigenous systems. The policy seeks to blend traditional values, customary laws, and heritage systems with modern development practices, positioning Ghana as a leader in sustainable development in West Africa.