Bridging Custom and Bureaucracy: Examining Collaboration Between Traditional Rulers and Municipal Authorities in Local Development in Ghana

Collaboration between traditional rulers and municipal authorities in Ghana's Asante Akyem Central Municipality is hindered by informal relationships, role ambiguity, and weak coordination, despite shared development goals. While moderate cooperation exists in land provision and school advocacy, synergy in physical development and recreation remains limited. Challenges include lack of formal mechanisms, resource constraints, and political interference. Traditional leaders significantly contribute through community mobilization and cultural legitimacy. The study recommends formalized partnerships, inclusive planning, and capacity-building to enhance integrated governance and effective service delivery.

(Ed.). (2025). Bridging Custom and Bureaucracy: Examining Collaboration Between Traditional Rulers and Municipal Authorities in Local Development in Ghana. Journal of Culture, Society and Development. https://doi.org/10.7176/jcsd/74-09