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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Customary Law
- English1. There is established a House of Chiefs.
2. The House of Chiefs shall consist of five chiefs from each province, elected by the chiefs in a Province, as prescribed.
3. The members of the House of Chiefs shall annually elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, from amongst themselves.
4. Notwithstanding clause (3), the assumption of office as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the House of Chiefs shall rotate annually amongst the chiefs from each province.
5. The functions of the House of Chiefs are to —
a. consider and discuss a Bill relating to custom or tradition referred to it by the President, before the Bill is introduced into the National Assembly;
b. initiate, discuss and make recommendations to the National Assembly regarding socio-economic development in the Province;
c. initiate, discuss and decide on matters relating to customary law and practice;
d. initiate, discuss and make recommendations to a local authority regarding the welfare of communities in a local authority;
e. make proposals on areas in customary law that require codification;
f. advise the Government on traditional and customary matters; and
g. perform other functions as prescribed. (Art. 169)
Customary Law
- English
The law establishes the rules concerning:
…
- the procedure according to which custom may be asserted and harmonized with the fundamental principles of the Constitution;
… (Art. 101) - French
La loi fixe les règles concernant :
…
- la procédure selon laquelle les coutumes seront constatées et mises en harmonie avec les principes fondamentaux de la Constitution;
… (Art. 101)
Customary Law
- English(1) An appeal shall lie from decisions of a customary Court of Appeal to the Court of Appeal as of right in any civil proceedings before the customary Court of Appeal with respect to any question of Customary law and such other matters as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.
(2) Any right of appeal to the Court of Appeal from the decisions of a Customary Court of Appeal conferred by this section shall be –
(a) exercisable at the instance of a party thereto or, with the leave of the Customary Court of Appeal or of the Court of Appeal, at the instance of any other person having an interest in the matter;
(b) exercised in accordance with any Act of the National Assembly and rules of court for the time being in force regulating the powers, practice and procedure of the Court of Appeal. (Sec. 245)
Customary Law
- English(1) The laws of Ghana shall comprise—
…
(e) the common law.
(2) The common law of Ghana shall comprise the rules of law generally known as the common law, the rules generally known as the doctrines of equity and the rules of customary law including those determined by the Superior Court of Judicature.
(3) For the purposes of this article, “customary law” means the rules of law which by custom are applicable to particular communities in Ghana.
… (Art. 11)
Customary Law
- English(1) The institution, status and role of traditional leaders under customary law are recognised.
(2) A traditional leader is responsible for performing the cultural, customary and traditional functions of a Chief, headperson or village head, as the case may be, for his or her community. (Sec. 280)
Customary Law
- English1. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the institution of traditional leader or cultural leader may exist in any area of Uganda in accordance with the culture, customs and traditions or wishes and aspirations of the people to whom it applies.
2. In any community, where the issue of traditional or cultural leader has not been resolved, the issue shall be resolved by the community concerned using a method prescribed by Parliament.
…
4. The allegiance and privileges accorded to a traditional leader or a cultural leader by virtue of that office shall not be regarded as a discriminatory practice prohibited under article 21 of this Constitution; but any custom, practice, usage or tradition relating to a traditional leader or cultural leader which detracts from the rights of any person as guaranteed by this Constitution, shall be taken to be prohibited under that article.
5. For the avoidance of doubt, the institution of traditional leader or cultural leader existing immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution shall be taken to exist in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
6. For the purposes of this article, "traditional leader or cultural leader" means a king or similar traditional leader or cultural leader by whatever name called, who derives allegiance from the fact of birth or descent in accordance with the customs, traditions, usage or consent of the people led by that traditional or cultural leader. (Art. 246)
Customary Law
- EnglishIn addition to this Constitution, the laws of The Gambia consist of—
…
(e) customary law so far as concerns members of the communities to which it applies;
… (Sec. 7)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe State recognizes the traditional leadership [chefferie] as the depositary of customary authority. As such, it participates in the administration of the territory of the Republic in the conditions determined by the law.
The traditional leadership is held to a strict obligation of neutrality and reserve. It is protected against any abuse of power tending to divert it from the role conferred on it by the law. (Art. 167) - FrenchL’Etat reconnaît la chefferie traditionnelle comme dépositaire de l’autorité coutumière. A ce titre, elle participe à l’administration du territoire de la République dans les conditions déterminées par la loi.
La chefferie traditionnelle est tenue à une stricte obligation de neutralité et de réserve. Elle est protégée contre tout abus de pouvoir tendant à la détourner du rôle que lui confère la loi. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe customary and traditional rules governing the matrimonial regimes and inheritance may only be applicable with the consent of the parties concerned.
In default of consent, the national law alone is applicable.
It is the same in case of conflict between two [2] or more customary rules. (Art. 162) - Arabicلا يمكن تطبيق القواعد العرفية والتقليدية التي تحكم أنظمة الزواج والإرث إلا بموافقة الأطراف المعنية.
في غياب الموافقة، يكون القانون الوطني الوحيد الواجب تطبيقه.
يطبق القانون نفسه في حالة وجود تعارض بين قاعدتين [2] عرفيتين أو أكثر. (المادة 162) - FrenchLes règles coutumières et traditionnelles régissant les régimes matrimoniaux et les successions ne peuvent s'appliquer qu'avec le consentement des parties concernées.
A défaut de consentement, la loi nationale est seule applicable.
Il en est de même en cas de conflit entre deux (2) ou plusieurs règles coutumières. (Art. 162)
Customary Law
- English...(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the principles of Eswatini customary law (Eswatini Law and Custom) are hereby recognised and adopted and shall be applied and enforced as part of the law of Eswatini.(3) The provisions of subsection (2) do not apply in respect of any custom that is, and to the extent that it is, inconsistent with a provision of this Constitution or a statute, or repugnant to natural justice or morality or general principles of humanity.(4) Parliament may ...(a) provide for the proof and pleading of the rule of custom for any purpose;(b) regulate the manner in which or the purpose for which custom may be recognised, applied or enforced; and(c) provide for the resolution of conflicts of customs or conflicts of personal laws. (Sec. 252)