The need for participatory governance, particularly in Ghana’s chieftaincy sector, took centre stage at the opening of the eighth Evidence to Action (E2A) Conference and Exhibition in Accra.

Stakeholders argued that integrating chiefs more actively in policy development and implementation could foster social cohesion, improve local accountability, and strengthen grassroots development.

They noted that when traditional authorities were empowered through evidence-informed governance frameworks, it enhanced trust between citizens and the state, ensured that local customs were respected in national decision-making, and ultimately drove more inclusive and sustainable progress.

Development

The Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Ahmed Ibrahim, speaking at the event, emphasised that the institution of chieftaincy must be viewed as a key stakeholder in achieving national development.

“Our traditional leaders are custodians of our values, lands, and identity.

We cannot talk about local governance and decentralisation without considering the role of chiefs.

By embedding chieftaincy into evidence-based policymaking, we are not only honouring tradition but also opening new channels for community-led progress," he said.

The minister called for stronger collaboration between policymakers and traditional leaders, urging stakeholders in the governance and development sectors to rethink the current silos in which chieftaincy often operates.

“We must move beyond assumptions. Policies should be driven by real data, community voices, and rigorous evaluations.

Chiefs must be resourced and engaged as part of district planning and data systems to inform real-time, community-responsive solutions," the minister emphasised.

The five-day event on the theme, “Advancing Participatory Governance for Sustainable Development in Africa,” was hosted for the fourth time in Ghana, and it brought together development practitioners, researchers, policymakers, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to promote the use of data and research in public decision-making.

The event aimed to promote dialogue on how evidence and indigenous knowledge could be harmonised to inform impactful governance, especially at the local level.

Inclusive governance

Adding to the discourse, President of the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), Dr David Ameyaw, underscored the importance of using data and evidence to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive governance models.

“Traditional authorities bring a wealth of indigenous knowledge to the table.

When combined with empirical evidence and modern development tools, we create robust, contextually relevant solutions that address real issues,” he said.

Dr Ameyaw highlighted how participatory governance, when done inclusively, could lead to stronger accountability systems, particularly in areas where chiefs wield significant influence over communal decisions, land management, and dispute resolution.

“Let us move beyond the notion of consultation as a box-ticking exercise. We must see chiefs and community leaders as co-creators in development strategies,” he stressed.

Strategy

Echoing this sentiment, the CEO of the Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA), Liam Brody, encouraged African countries, particularly Ghana, to leverage traditional structures as strategic development partners.