The Paramount Chief of Asokore Traditional Area, Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante, says it is illogical to recognize non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society as key players in the development of democracy in Africa and relegate the chieftaincy institution to the background. He noted that democracy is all about the participation of people and since traditional rulers are those in real and constant touch with the people, they must not be denied a key role in the democratic process. “If NGOs and civil society groups, which receive their funding from foreign donors are recognised as key players in our democracy, then traditional rulers cannot be denied,” he stressed. Nana S.K.B Asante was contributing to a heated debate on the chieftaincy institution at the ongoing 2nd Africa Sister Cities International Conference, Trade and Exhibition. The conference, which is dubbed “Africa Speaks” is under the theme, “Forging stronger partnership between African local government authorities and African traditional rulers for sustainable economic development through global partnership.” The debate, which was on the motion, “Is the chieftaincy institution still relevant to the socio-economic and democratic transformation of Africa?” attracted arguments and rebuttals from both sides of the motion. Nana S.K.B. Asante, and the Chairman of the Traditional Leaders of South Africa, Khosi Kutama spoke in favour of the chieftaincy institution while Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jnr and Lawyer John Opoku spoke against the motion. Nana S.K.B. Asante, who opened the floor, was of the view that gone are the days when the institution of chieftaincy was a preserve of the illiterate. He noted that chiefs in recent times are well-educated and have contributed immensely to the development of all sectors of the nation, hence the need to appropriately recognize them as players in the democratic dispensation. He was of the view that the essence of democracy is to better the lot of the people. “Freedom of speech on an empty stomach is meaningless,” he noted. The Chairman of the Traditional Leaders of South Africa, Khosi Kutama, said though the attitude of some chiefs in Africa often leaves much to be desired, the sweeping generalization often made is not in the best interest of the chieftaincy institutions. According to him, colonial rulers engaged chiefs because of the unique role they played in society and the current system of governance in Africa cannot ignore chiefs.