Ga Mantse emphasizes Ghana’s unique traditional justice system in dialogue with Namibian traditional leaders

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has underscored the importance of cultural exchange and traditional governance in strengthening inter-African cooperation, particularly between Ghana and Namibia.

He made these remarks on Monday during an engagement with a high-powered Namibian delegation of paramount chiefs and senior traditional leaders at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra.

The delegation from Namibia was led by His Majesty Chief Immanuel Gaseb, Chairperson of the 54 Traditional Authorities Council in Namibia

He was accompanied by His Royal Highness King Fillemon Shuumbwa, King of Ondonga and Chairman of the Traditional Authority Trust in Namibia; His Majesty Chief Sam Kambazembi, Chairperson of the Chiefs Business Company; Retired Brigadier General David Mbandeka, Senior Traditional Councilor; Ms. Louise Penna Shixwameni, Chairperson of the Chief Investment Committee; and other senior government officials in charge of state enterprises.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II said "There is much we can learn from one another — from our cultures, our ancestry, and our heritage. You are most welcome to this table of men.”

He highlighted Ghana’s efforts in harmonizing traditional authority with modern governance, with particular emphasis on the legal framework that safeguards the chieftaincy institution.

“In Ghana, we have successfully institutionalized the National House of Chiefs, which serves as the apex court for judicial decisions relating to chieftaincy and certain land matters"

"The regular courts do not have jurisdiction over chieftaincy disputes. Matters involving traditional contempt or succession must be resolved through the traditional structures — from the Traditional Council to the Regional House of Chiefs, and then the National House of Chiefs"

"Only the Supreme Court may intervene under its supervisory jurisdiction,” the Ga Mantse explained.

He noted that the judicial committees of the traditional courts are solely empowered to handle cases affecting traditional leaders, including chiefs and paramount rulers, and emphasized the uniqueness of this approach as a model worthy of study and adaptation by other nations

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further mentioned that Ghana’s recently enacted Land Act — passed and enforced by Parliament — will be shared with the Namibian delegation for comparative study.

“We would be happy to present you with the new Land Act for your review and to allow you to compare it with Namibia’s existing land laws,” he said.

The Ga Mantse also commended the idea of mutual exchange programs between the two nations, where traditional leaders and council members could visit each other’s countries to learn best practices in traditional governance and cooperation with state authorities.

“In every capital, traditional authorities tend to suffer marginalization due to the centralization of power. That is why we must always strive to find a compromise — one that ensures peace, cooperation, and national progress,” he added.

Speaking through his translator, Chief Immanuel Gaseb, expressed his gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II for the warm reception.

He pledged to strengthen the bond between the Ga State and Namibia.

He expressed optimism that this connection would create opportunities for citizens of both nations to visit one another, experience cultural diversity, and deepen their understanding of each other's traditions.

The visit by the Namibian delegation marks a significant milestone in fostering African unity, promoting traditional diplomacy, and enhancing cultural and institutional cooperation between Ghana and Namibia.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith