Let Ga Mantse Stool once again become a beacon of hope and strength for the Ga people
ON July 13, 2005, Ghanaians woke up to the sad news of the sudden demise of Boni Nii Amugi II, the revered Ga Mantse who ruled the Ga State for 39 years.
His leadership, deeply rooted in tradition and vision, inspired unity and progress in the Ga State, leaving a legacy that many hoped would serve as a strong foundation for the future.
Tradition dictated that following his burial in January 2007, a successor would be enstooled to carry on his work. Yet, nearly two decades later, the Ga Mantse stool remains entangled in a web of disputes, with multiple claimants and fractured allegiances casting a long shadow over the once-unifying institution.
The enstoolment of Dr Joe Blankson in 2007 was meant to bring stability. However, before his leadership could settle and gain traction, his legitimacy was challenged, plunging the traditional seat into controversy.
His opposition saw the installation of two others, Boni Nii Adama Latse II and Nii Tackie Obli, both of whose own claim to the throne were equally contested by another royal house, further deepening the cracks within the Ga State leadership.
Just when there seemed to be a glimmer of resolution, another twist emerged. In 2016, Kelvin Tackie Abia was enstooled as Ga Mantse, deposing Boni Latse. His installation, too, did not settle the succession wrangle, leaving the Ga State in a perpetual cycle of litigation, protest, and parallel leaderships.
For us on The Ghanaian Times, this enduring succession crisis is not merely a chieftaincy matter, but a profound reflection of the divisions that threaten the cultural fabric of the Ga people.
The stool, which should symbolise unity, continuity, and pride, has instead become a point of contention and uncertainty.
It is important to emphasise that in Ghana’s identity and governance systems, traditional leadership holds an irreplaceable place. The strength of any stool lies not in who occupies it, but in the unity and consensus it commands.
We are of the firm belief that for the Ga State, healing will require the courage to put the people above personalities, and heritage above ambition. Indeed, the time has come for all stakeholders—kingmakers, elders, government, and the youth of Ga Mashie, to chart a path toward reconciliation.
The fact that the various claimants involved in this controversies, have chosen the legal route in itself is more than encouraging. There is no gainsaying that peaceful resolution to all forms of conflict remains the most viable path to peace, which is a sine quo non to development.
The memory of Nii Amugi II’s dignified reign should be the guiding light, reminding all of what is possible when leadership is anchored in service and peace. To this end, the Ga Mantse stool must not remain a symbol of division but one that foster’s unity, brotherly love and peace.
Let it once again become a beacon of hope and strength for the Ga people and the nation at large.