ABSTRACT

In 1924 Government passed the Native Jurisdiction Ordinance, which defined the powers and duties of the chiefs in Ashanti. The appointment of employees for carrying out the provisions of the Native Authority Ordinance requires the approval of the Chief Commissioner. Government not only appoints a Native Authority, but also prescribes its powers and duties. The ordinance makes provision for appeals. The Kumasi Native Authority has both administrative and judicial functions; constitutional cases within the Division are dealt with by the Divisional Council. The cause for the unsatisfactory state of affairs appears to be the lack of interest shown by the people of Kumasi in their local administration. Native courts have been established under the Native Courts Ordinance, 1935 within the areas of the Native Authorities. Constitutional matters lie within the jurisdiction of the Divisional Council, which is 'the Native Authority appointed for a Division when composed of the head chiefs, chiefs, and councillors'.