The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has called for closer collaboration between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms, saying their centuries-old relationship should be strengthened to promote peace, preserve cultural heritage and improve the wellbeing of their people.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Yagbonwura said the visit was intended to reaffirm and deepen the longstanding historical ties between the two traditional kingdoms.
“This visit reflects my desire to promote unity and strengthen collaboration with the Asante Kingdom in keeping with our ancient kinship as ‘ntafor’. We are deeply grateful to Your Royal Majesty and the people of Asanteman for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to us,” he said.
The visit coincided with the celebration of the Awukudae Festival, one of the most significant events on the Asante traditional calendar, adding further significance to the historic engagement between the two revered kingdoms.
The Yagbonwura said traditional authorities have a vital responsibility to preserve Ghana’s customs and traditions, stressing that they play a key role in safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage while contributing to tourism and socio-economic development.
He also urged traditional leaders across the country to demonstrate the enduring relevance of the chieftaincy institution by responding to the needs of their communities.
“I therefore want to appeal to all Nananom in Ghana to seize this opportunity to demonstrate to sceptics that the chieftaincy institution is ready to take the necessary steps to improve the lives of the people it serves,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Yagbonwura said the meeting was much more than a ceremonial exchange of courtesies.
“Today’s gathering is far more than a ceremonial visit. It is a reunion of two great Royal Houses whose destinies have been intertwined for more than three centuries,” he said.
He noted that the Gonja and Asante kingdoms had forged enduring ties through trade, diplomacy, scholarship and cultural exchange long before the emergence of modern Ghana, laying the foundation for a relationship that continues to thrive today.
According to a speech delivered on his behalf by Yapeiwura A.B.T. Zakaria, the historic trade routes linking Salaga, Kintampo, Techiman and Kumasi played a vital role in facilitating the exchange of goods between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms, while strengthening the longstanding relationship between their peoples.
The Yagbonwura also reflected on the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as a dark chapter in history that brought immense suffering to millions of Africans.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing calls for reparations for people of African descent in the diaspora affected by the enduring legacy of slavery.
The Gonja overlord further noted that historical records show Muslim scholars from the Gonja Kingdom once served in the Ashanti royal court, where they provided spiritual guidance and contributed to Islamic scholarship.
According to him, those historical exchanges exemplified the deep trust, cooperation and mutual respect that have existed between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms for generations.
Turning to contemporary issues confronting traditional authorities, the Yagbonwura identified land disputes as one of the most pressing challenges affecting many traditional areas across the country.
The Yagbonwura said unresolved chieftaincy and land disputes continue to slow development, discourage investment and undermine social harmony. He called for closer collaboration between the Gonja and Asante kingdoms to promote peaceful and traditional approaches to resolving such conflicts.
“I believe that through dialogue, mediation, mutual respect and adherence to customary laws, we can help reduce tensions and maintain peace within our traditional areas. Let us strengthen cooperation between our kingdoms so that together we can become stronger advocates for peace and stability throughout Ghana,” he said.
The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom also identified succession disputes over skins and stools as a major challenge facing the institution of chieftaincy.
He appealed to the Government of Ghana to provide greater support to the Regional Houses of Chiefs and the National House of Chiefs to document customary laws and succession arrangements.
“Such support will significantly reduce succession disputes, promote orderly transitions, preserve our customs and strengthen the institution of chieftaincy,” he said.
Otumfuo’s response
Responding on behalf of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, described the Yagbonwura’s visit as historic, saying it had surpassed the expectations of the people of Asanteman.
“Your visit has greatly impressed Asanteman. You have done something truly remarkable, beyond what we imagined. I hope Asanteman has welcomed you warmly. Otumfuo is deeply grateful for your visit,” he said.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III said the concerns raised by the Yagbonwura, particularly those relating to chieftaincy and land administration, were issues the Asante Kingdom had long been addressing through established traditional systems.
He explained that several interventions had been introduced in Asanteman to resolve chieftaincy disputes, with a strong emphasis on customary conflict resolution.
“On chieftaincy matters, we have implemented a number of interventions in Asanteman to address disputes,” he said.
According to Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, the Asantehene has consistently directed that chieftaincy disputes be settled through traditional mechanisms rather than through the courts.
“Per the directives of Otumfuo, chieftaincy disputes should not be taken to court for redress. We have our own traditional structures for resolving such matters,” he said
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III said the same traditional approach had also proven effective in resolving land disputes within Asanteman, helping to settle disagreements through dialogue rather than prolonged court battles.
He noted that while some land disputes remain unresolved, efforts are ongoing to address them through the customary system.
“When it comes to land disputes, similar interventions have helped resolve many issues without resorting to the courts. Our system of land dispute resolution is effective. All lands in Asanteman belong to Otumfuo, and where there are outstanding issues, we are working to resolve them,” he said.
The Asante Mamponghene added that the visit had reaffirmed the longstanding historical ties between the Asante and Gonja kingdoms.
“By coming to honour us, you have demonstrated that we are one people. If we trace our history, we will find that the Asante and Gonja share deep historical connections,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the relationship between the two kingdoms would continue to flourish.
“The bond between Asante and Gonja has only grown stronger, and it will not end here. There is much more to come as we continue to deepen our friendship and cooperation,” he said.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III also conveyed the Asantehene’s appreciation for the warm reception and announced that the Asante Kingdom would, in turn, pay a courtesy visit to the Gonja Kingdom.
Conveying Otumfuo’s message, he said the goodwill shown by the Yagbonwura and the Gonja Kingdom would be reciprocated.
“Otumfuo says I should tell you that the great honour and dignity you have shown us today will not end here. We will also organise a visit to your kingdom,” he said.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III noted that the meeting between the two traditional authorities underscored the vital role of chieftaincy in fostering national cohesion and development.
He said the engagement reflected a shared commitment to strengthening friendship, promoting unity and supporting Ghana’s development.
“Today, two kingdoms have come together to discuss friendship, unity, development and the progress of Ghana. Chieftaincy in Ghana is not about rivalry but about unity—unity that has the power to transform the country,” he said.