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This paper starts from the fundamental assumption that many political structures in Sub Sahara Africa are characterized by both networks and hierarchies that are shaping interactions and relationships in a manifold of ways. Based on ethnographic evidence from Kpandai district in Ghana, this paper provides answers to questions of complementarity and competition. The plural legal system that exists at the micro levels enables female customary leadership that builds on hierarchical grounds to maintain horizontal relationships. Thus, while maintaining vertical structures through hierarchies, Nawuri women leaders act via networks as interconnected nodes and maintain their independence as social agents for the benefit of their communities. Their roles are complementing male leadership and ensure the flow of authority, establish power, and provide a sense of security in supporting local governance and human security at the grassroots level. In all fields mentioned, female leaders are relying on the horizontal flow of command, consensus and control to maintain their status and remain relevant at the micro levels. This paper concludes by noting that the female customary leaders will continue to use networks to provide basic services in the district. This will not only guarantee efficiency of political initiatives but also harness and sustainable use of local resources.

Inherited Political Structures in Ghana: What Role for Networks and Hierarchies in Explaining Their Efficiency?