Abiasuma Boni King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II
The Ga Maŋtsɛ, Boni King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has issued a passionate call for respect and honor toward the Ga people and their traditional stools. He reminded all ethnic groups in Ghana that the Ga, as the indigenous custodians of the land that hosts the nation’s capital, have always embraced others with hospitality, coexistence, and goodwill.
The King cautioned, however, that this generosity must never be mistaken for weakness or taken for granted. Instead, it should be met with reverence that strengthens the Ga stools and the spiritual authority of the chieftaincy institution. “Disrespect weakens the institution, while honor empowers it,” he declared.
“We are who we are,” the Ga Maŋtsɛ affirmed, underscoring the identity and pride of the Ga people. “We do not seek to compete or to exclude, but we must firmly demand the respect and honor that our ancient stools rightfully deserve.”
The King emphasized that the authority and sanctity of traditional institutions are central to Ghana’s cultural fabric. As hosts of the capital city, the Ga people hold a sacred trust, and any disrespect toward their customs, leaders, or legacy will not be tolerated. He called upon all residents of Accra and beyond to recognize and honor the Ga people’s unique historical and cultural position, ensuring that the dignity of Ga stools is upheld at all times.
The King further stressed that the Ga’s enduring commitment to inclusivity and peaceful coexistence is what has sustained Accra as Ghana’s permanent capital. This heritage of stewardship must be reciprocated with respect. He warned that the patience of the Ga people should not be tested by actions that demean their traditions and leadership.
For example, Evangelist Diana Asamoah was once hauled before the Ga Traditional Council after declaring that “the strength of God would ensure that very soon the traditional festival Homowo would no longer be celebrated in Accra.”
Likewise, during the 2023 Homowo festival, some youths in Nima attacked Ga elders who had gone to sprinkle Kpekple on their ancestral land. The ruffians, mobilized by a rival chief installed by settlers without the consent of the rightful landowners, threatened the elders and scattered the sacred Kpekple on the ground — a shocking act of contempt for tradition and deep disrespect toward the custodians of the land.
These outlawed incidents are reminders that while the Ga are hospitable, their patience should never be mistaken for weakness. Respect for tradition is respect for peace.
In essence, the Ga Maŋtsɛ’s message is clear: the welcoming spirit of the Ga people has its limits when it comes to safeguarding the dignity of their traditional leadership and their status as the original custodians of the land. To disrespecting tradition a dangerous trend
Respecting tradition is not optional — it is essential for unity, peace, and dignity in our nation.
By: Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey
