The National House of Chiefs is the highest body in Ghana that unites all traditional rulers, chiefs and kings. The institution has backing from the Constitution of Ghana.[1] [2] [3] [4]
The various rulers of Ghana's numerous tribes and clans automatically become members of a number of regional houses of chiefs. It is their membership of these regional bodies that qualifies them for membership of the national house.
In addition to these chiefs, a number of queen mothers are also appointed to the national house as associate members. These titleholders are appointed for four-year terms, and are eligible for re-appointment thereafter.
Although the national and regional houses are dominated by citizens of Ghana, they are affiliated with a number of foreign nationals. The African-American religious leader Ra Un Nefer Amen, for example, serves as the U.S. representative of the chiefs in congress assembled. He himself holds a Ghanaian chieftaincy in his own right.
Since the creation of the National House of Chiefs, a president and his vice-president have been selected from among the members of the house to direct their affairs. The practice first started in 1969.[5]
| 1 | Otumfour Agyemang Prempeh II | Asantehene | 1969 – 1970 | |
| 2 | Otumfour Opoku Ware II | Asantehene | 1970 – 1978 | |
| 3 | Osagyefo Agyemang Badu I | Dormaahene | 1978 – 1982 | |
| 4 | Otumfour Opoku Ware II | Asantehene | 1982 – 1989 | |
| 5 | Torgbe Adja Tekpor VI | Osie Avatime | 1989 – 1992 | |
| 6 | Nana Oduro Nimapau II | Esumejahene | 1992 – 1998 | |
| 7 | Osagyefo Kuntunkunuku II | Okyehene | 1998 – 1999 | |
| 8 | Dr. Poure Puobe VII | Nandom | 1999 | |
| 9 | Odeefuo Boaponsem | Denkyirahene | 1999 – 2001 | |
| 10 | Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II | Sefwi-Bekwaihene | 2001 – 2008 | |
| 11 | Prof. Naa John S. Nabila | Wulugu Naba | 2008 – 2016 | |
| 12 | Togbe Afede XIV | Agbogbomefia | 2016 –2020 | |
| 13 | Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II | Sefwi Anhwiasohene | 2020-present |