King of Eswatini Promotes Partnership Between Traditional Authorities and Politicians for Long-Term Development
The King of Eswatini, His Majesty King Mswati III, has called on political leaders to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers to drive sustainable national development. He emphasized that the enduring presence of the chieftaincy institution, unlike the transient nature of political office, offers a unique opportunity for continuity in development initiatives.
Speaking during a visit to the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, King Mswati noted that traditional leadership, being a birthright and lifelong responsibility, serves as a stable and reliable structure for long-term national planning. “Traditional leadership is a birthright; you are there every day. This means that central governments can rely on traditional leadership, especially when it comes to ensuring continuity in national development,” he stated.
The Eswatini monarch highlighted the unique advantage traditional rulers hold due to their close connection with local communities. This, he explained, gives them firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing citizens—making them valuable partners in policymaking and implementation. “The traditional authorities are the ones who can give good advice to the executive while they carry out development of the country,” he emphasized.
King Mswati III also urged chiefs to innovate and adapt to changing times in order to remain relevant and impactful in national affairs. His visit to Ghana comes in response to a 2015 visit to Eswatini by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, underscoring the cordial and growing relationship between the two nations.
Beyond cultural ties, the King expressed optimism about expanding cooperation into areas such as tourism, education, and trade. “Our aspirations should extend beyond cultural exchange. We envision your educators and entrepreneurs working alongside our innovators to preserve our knowledge and history,” he remarked.
Ghana and Eswatini have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation. The agreement is expected to facilitate deeper collaboration across sectors and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
President of Ghana’s National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, welcomed the Eswatini King’s call, stressing the importance of cross-cultural learning to strengthen the chieftaincy institution. “This visit presents an opportunity for us to gain firsthand insight into the history, culture, and traditions of Eswatini,” he said.
He further noted that Eswatini’s traditional governance system offers valuable lessons on how chieftaincy can coexist with national and local governments for the socio-economic benefit of citizens.
The Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, also highlighted the indispensable role traditional institutions play in national development and governance.
The visit marks a significant moment in fostering unity between the traditional systems of Eswatini and Ghana while reinforcing the importance of aligning cultural heritage with modern governance for sustainable progress.
