Accra: Tumivole Awulae Kaku Aka III, the Paramount Chief of the Nzema Kotoko Kingdom, has made a compelling call for the inclusion of Ahanta and Nzema lands in the current discussions on reparatory justice within Ghana and across Africa. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the historical injustices experienced by these twin ethnic groups situated along Ghana's western coast.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Paramount Chief expressed that any discourse on reparatory justice in Africa and Ghana would be incomplete without acknowledging Ahanta and Nzema lands. He delivered these remarks at the launch of the inaugural Ahanta Heritage Month celebration held in Apowa, within the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region. The event, themed 'Reparatory Justice: Healing, Unity and Cultural Renaissance,' focused on 'The Untold Slave History of Ahanta' and witnessed the presence of traditional rulers, government officials, diplomats, and representatives from the diaspora and the Caribbean.
Notable attendees included Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Vice-President of the House. During his address, Awulae Kaku Aka III paid homage to Tumivole Awulae Badu Bonso II, the Ahanta Kingdom's Overlord from 1826 to 1838, lauding him as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression. He recounted the execution of the Ahanta King by Dutch colonial authorities in 1838 for opposing their rule and highlighted the execution of his ancestor, Tumivole Awulae Kaku Aka I, by British colonial powers in 1848.
He praised Madam Mavis Kuukua-Bissue, Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, for her efforts in reviving and preserving the Ahanta heritage. He acknowledged past attempts to diminish the influence of the Anona (Nvavile) clan from the coastal regions of Ahanta and Nzema, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. He expressed appreciation to the MP for establishing a platform to help future generations recognize Ahanta's historical contributions to Ghana.
Reflecting on the theme, Madam Kuukua-Bissue honored the bravery and sacrifices of Tumivole Badu Bonso II and Tumivole Gyan Kwaw (John Conny), rulers who resisted Dutch colonial domination. She emphasized the importance of Ahanta speaking for itself and Ghana acknowledging Ahanta's significant contribution to the country's history. She described reparatory justice, healing, unity, and cultural renaissance as collective responsibilities for the Ahanta people worldwide, aiming to reconnect individuals with their identity and confront historical truths.
Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX commended the MP for her efforts in restoring Ahanta's heritage and vowed the traditional council's support for sustaining the annual celebration. He encouraged Ahanta citizens to embrace their cultural identity. Historian and lawyer Mr. Anokye Frimpong paid tribute to Chief John Conny for his humanitarian leadership, highlighting his role in advocating for the return of King Badu Bonso II's severed head to Ghana. He pointed out that many divisions among traditional states in the Western region were consequences of colonial strategies aimed at weakening indigenous authority structures, advocating for stronger traditional leadership akin to the Asante Kingdom.