Why do I wish I were God? Perhaps I would rewrite the birth stars of Nii Adotey Odaawulu I and make him Gbese Maŋtsɛ. Or, if Providence permitted me to reschedule destiny, I would place Nii Armah Ajor I on the Gbese throne.
I woke from an extraordinary dream in which these two noble men reigned as Gbese Maŋtsɛmei. But alas, nature has its own decree, and Providence does not negotiate with mortals. It was only one of those beautiful dreams that leave you wondering whether a promise has been broken.
Oh, how I wish I could return to sleep and enter that cherished dreamland again the glorious era of King Nii Adote Odaawulu I and King Nii Armah Ajor I!
No wonder these two young, handsome, courageous, intelligent and remarkably composed royal men became the “Cherished Chesters” of Gbese Homowo 2026. Gbese is an indication of Chester, referring to a settlement that developed around a former slave fort in Ussher Town, Old Accra. A traditional town in Ga Mashie that is known and admired for it’s courageous women and regal strong boxers in the world.
What I witnessed over the weekend was more than ceremony. It was a powerful reminder of what royal presence, customary discipline and cultural conviction can bring to a people. They carried themselves with dignity and confidence, and their conduct reflected the sacred responsibility entrusted to those who represent Gbese.
In the eyes of our ancestors and before the gods, they stood as men who understood the sanctity of our traditions. They helped restore something many of us have longed to see again the perfection, dignity and sacred character of Gbese Homowo.
For a moment, Gbese felt like a sanctuary again with chaste bravery chiefs working for the best.
Their royal charisma, cohesion, courage and determination to uphold Gbese’s customary rites, traditions and cultural heritage were unmistakable. They demonstrated that tradition is not merely something we inherit; it is something we must protect, perfect and pass on with honour.
And yes! Gbese Homowo 2026 was roaring!
Roaring! Roaring! Roaring!
Nshornaa Dzartar, the Lion of the Sea, roared in glory and power across Ga Mashie and to neighbouring towns.
Gbese may have been wounded by the challenges of our time, but her pride still glows, her spirit remains unbroken, and her lion still roars.
If I were God, I would make one thing certain: the next Gbese Maŋtsɛ must possess the courage, dignity, intelligence, cultural consciousness and royal presence demonstrated by Nii Adote Odaawulu I and Nii Armah Ajor I. Nothing less.
And to anyone dreaming of becoming Gbese Maŋtsɛ, I say this with affection and without apology:
If you cannot match the standard set by Nii Adote Odaawulu I and Nii Armah Ajor I, perhaps remain in bed like me, and continue dreaming! as I am doing now.
For Gbese has no room for dull games.
What I saw at this year’s Homowo were two true Chesters men of the Sea People, carrying themselves with the courage of lions upon the shores of Ga Mashie.
They championed love, unity, strength and resilience in the face of difficulty, pain and uncertainty. They did not retreat. They did not surrender to fear. They stood and served.
For those precious moments, they functioned as Gbese Maŋtsɛmei in spirit, presence and responsibility.
So, I am returning to my bed.
I am going back to my dreamland, not to escape reality, but to cherish a vision of what Gbese can become.
And in that dream, I shall once again meet my two beloved Gbese Chesters:
Nii Adote Odaawulu I.
Nii Armah Ajor I.
Long live Gbese.
Long live our customs.
Long live Homowo.
And may the Lion of the Sea continue to roar.
Agoo! Agoo! Agoo! Eeei
Twa Omanye Aba.
Osɔfo Nii Naate Atswele Agbo Nartey on 2026 Gbese Homowo Festival
