GaDangmes trace their history and call for one king

Accra (Greater Accra), 30th April ?99 ?

Nii Amarh Josiah-Aryeh, an Accra-based legal practitioner, on Wednesday proposed the installation of a "common king" for GaDangmes.

This, he said, would reduce the incidence of chieftaincy and land disputes and lead to progress in the area. He said the example of the Asantes and the Zulus of South Africa is proof that "for any race to progress, it must have a common king."

Mr Josiah-Aryeh made the proposal at the second of a series of four lectures organised by the GaDangme Society, a non-political, non-governmental and non-religious institution dedicated to strengthening unity and development in the area. His topic was on the GaDangme concept of God.

The lecture is aimed at creating awareness on the need for GaDangmes to consolidate their efforts and resources to alleviate poverty and enhance their progress.

Mr Josiah-Aryeh said GaDangmes have a rich heritage in terms of culture and resources.

However, due to urbanisation, the area has been demarcated under several paramount chiefs, all of whom claim authority over plots of lands, which they sell or lease out to aliens for their selfish interest.

"This situation accounts for the many land and chieftaincy disputes, and denies the true GaDangmes access to land in their own communities, with its resultant poverty among our own people.

"The only way for us to reduce the disputes, poverty, and have a steady progress is to install a common king in the like of the Ashanti and Zulu kings."

Mr Josiah-Aryeh said that GaDangme worship is not fetish, adding that the GaDangme Wulomo (traditional chief priest) does not get possessed like the Woyeei (festish priestesses) does.

He explained that as far as GaDangme religion is concerned, it is "alien or fake" to get possessed.

Nene Tetteh Odorkor Tuumeh I, Swapolor of Yilo Krobo Traditional area who chaired the function, congratulated Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on his successful enthronement.

He pledged the support of the GaDangme chiefs and people for the new Asantehene.