The monarch’s remarks came during a high-profile address at Ghana’s National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, where he highlighted the unique advantages of hereditary leadership systems in an era of political transitions.

“While governments change every four years, traditional leaders remain constant,” observed the 55-year-old monarch, Africa’s last absolute ruler. “This permanence allows chiefs to provide institutional memory and long-term vision that electoral cycles cannot sustain.” His comments arrive as several African nations grapple with balancing modern governance structures with traditional power systems that still command significant influence, particularly in rural areas.

The visit forms part of strengthening ties between Eswatini’s monarchy and Ghana’s chieftaincy institutions, following Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s 2015 visit to the southern African kingdom. Analysts note the growing trend of African traditional leaders asserting their role in continental affairs, evidenced by the African Union’s 2022 decision to establish a Permanent Forum on Traditional Authorities.

Ghana’s Minister for Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, reinforced the King’s position, noting that 80% of land in Ghana is held under customary tenure. “When we speak of development projects – roads, schools, hospitals – we must work through the custodians of these lands,” Ibrahim stated. The practical reality of this partnership was evident in recent gold mining negotiations in Ghana’s Ashanti region, where traditional leaders brokered agreements between multinational firms and local communities.

Critics, however, question whether traditional systems can adapt to contemporary governance needs., political scientist, cautions: “While chiefs provide cultural continuity, we must ensure their advisory role doesn’t undermine democratic accountability. The challenge lies in creating complementary rather than competing systems of authority.”

As King Mswati concluded his three-day visit, the two nations announced plans for a joint cultural preservation initiative and student exchange program, signaling a shift from symbolic diplomacy to concrete cooperation. The developments underscore a broader continental conversation about redefining governance models to reflect Africa’s dual heritage of tradition and modernity.