Oguaa Traditional Council Holds Landmark Constitutional Workshop

In a deliberate effort to strengthen traditional governance through legal knowledge, the Oguaa Traditional Council on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, convened a conference workshop focused on Ghana’s constitutional framework governing chieftaincy, customary law, and arbitration.

Held at the Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast, the conference gathered the full spectrum of traditional leadership within the Oguaa jurisdiction, including the Paramount Chief, Divisional Chiefs, Sub-divisional Chiefs, and council members. The workshop started from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and served as both an educational and unifying platform for the Council.

Legal practitioner Mr. Alexander K. Essien, Esq. led the session with a detailed presentation on the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759). He underscored the central role of chieftaincy as the custodian of customs and traditions, stressing that the survival of traditional authority depends on a clear understanding and proper application of customary law.

According to Mr. Essien, while Ghana’s substantive laws define rights, wrongs, and punishments, customary law reflects the ancestral traditions and practices that shape communal life. He emphasized the need for traditional authorities to administer customary law fairly and consistently to foster unity and social order.

The workshop also addressed dispute resolution within traditional systems. Mr. Essien explained the procedural relationship between plaintiffs and defendants, noting that defendants must respond to legal actions within ten days by entering an appearance and filing a defense. He further discussed interlocutory applications, explaining that although such matters are typically determined through affidavit evidence, oral evidence may be required when material facts are contested.

The conference concluded on a note of unity and renewed commitment, as members shared refreshments and reaffirmed their collective responsibility to uphold law, tradition, and peace within the Oguaa traditional area. The workshop marked a significant step toward strengthening traditional leadership through legal awareness, reinforcing the Oguaa Traditional Council’s dedication to preserving heritage while aligning with Ghana’s constitutional order.