By Nana Okutseaku, President of the Chieftaincy Council of Chicago.
In a landmark moment for cultural stewardship and ceremonial clarity, the Chieftaincy Council of Chicago,led by President Nana Kwame Bayin Okutseaku VIII,has announced sweeping updates to its engagement protocols and issued a formal call for dialogue with Ghana National Council (GNC) presidential candidates. The announcement follows a pivotal Zoom meeting held on October 17, 2025, attended by representatives from Asanteman, Bono, Ewe, Ga, Fante, Okuapiman, and the Northern Union associations.
At the heart of the council’s resolution is a renewed commitment to honoring tradition while ensuring transparency and equity in how chiefs and queen mothers are invited to community events. Beginning January 1, 2026, members of affiliated Ghanaian associations who wish to invite the chieftaincy to ceremonies, be it engagements, weddings, parties, or funerals,will contribute $300 and a bottle of liquor as part of the ceremonial honorarium. For non-affiliated members, the contribution will be $600 and a bottle of liquor, with invitations honored only for events held within Chicago, and funerals receiving special consideration.
This policy, however, does not apply to past or present chiefs and queen mothers who ascended to their stools under any recognized affiliation. Their legacy and standing remain exempt from the new guidelines, a gesture that preserves the dignity of their service and the continuity of tradition.
In a parallel move that underscores the council’s role as a cultural compass and civic partner, the chiefs have authorized President Okutseaku VII to convene a meeting with the current GNC presidential candidates on November 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM. The venue will be announced shortly. Both candidates have been formally notified and are expected to attend alongside their vice presidential nominees.
The council is calling on all chiefs, queen mothers, and select sub-chiefs to be present for this important dialogue. The meeting is poised to be a defining moment in the relationship between traditional leadership and civic governance, offering a space to clarify expectations, affirm cultural values, and strengthen the bridge between heritage and representation.
As the Ghanaian community in Chicago continues to evolve, the Chieftaincy Council’s actions reflect a deep reverence for tradition and a bold vision for unity. With clear policies and open dialogue, the crown is not only being worn—it is being wielded with wisdom.
so?
Who talk say dem go come attend event say e be mandatory before dem fit dey charge money? Na voluntary event o! Dis one wey dem dey do, e be complete nonsense!
De associations wey dey here, make dem refuse to pay dem! Make dem boycott de whole thing patapata because dis one no be de Chicago wey we know again.
If dem dey hungry for more money (mo’ money), make dem go work! Dem take dis fake positions too serious! How you go dey wan charge pesin money say you go come attend dem funeral? Aboa! Wey kind person dey do dat?
We for make dem understand say na we get de say, dem no dey make laws for we.