Royal Diplomacy: Yagbonwura's Historic Courtesy Call at Nayiri Palace

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I's has made a historic visit to Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga at his palace at Nalerigu in the North-East Region to foster peace between the Gonja and Mamprugu kingdoms.

The visit, which took place on July 28, 2024, focused on addressing ongoing land disputes, particularly in the Lukula area, and aimed to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the two kingdoms.

It was also poised to significantly strengthen the relationship between the Gonja and Mamprugu kingdoms through several key avenues as well as address and restore peace regarding the ongoing land disputes between the two kingdoms, particularly around the Lukula area. This dialogue was essential for fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, which has historically characterized the relationship between the Gonjas and Mamprusis.

Also, to mark a historic first in the relationship between the two kingdoms, reinforcing their longstanding friendly ties that date back centuries. By engaging in direct dialogue, both monarchs can enhance their collaborative efforts and set a positive precedent for future interactions.

The Overlord of Gonjaland first paid a visit to the Overlord of Dagbon Ya- Na Mahama Abukari I who received him warmly at his place.

This historic visit has become the first of its kind in the history of the two kingdoms where on kingdom visit the other.

Cultural Heritage

The Two kingdoms meeting at the Nayiri place saw a significant portrayal of cultural heritage with a colourful rich cultural display and traditional regalia after the Yagbonwura and his retinue of chiefs and elders were given a warm welcome by an enthusiastic crowd, underlining the importance of the occasion.

This said, would help bring about development in the two regions.

Sources closed to the Gonjaland palace indicated that the visit was to enable the king of Gonjaland to introduce himself to the respective palace and seek for blessings as he starts his reign as the next king of the land after the demise of the late Boresa.

It is also to promote peace and unity among the kingdoms, it said.

The North East Regional Minister Zakaria Yidana said,this has been one of the historical events that need to be celebrated and written in the history book of recods.

It also significant the peaceful nature between the paramount chiefs in the North and the need for the youth within the respective chiefs palaces to be united,he said.

We as leaders would also do our best to develop marketing strategies to promote domestic tourism and the cultural heritage of the respective paramouncy in the North to the world,he added.

He stressed the need for peaceful co-existence that will ensure serene environment to attract investors and tourist come over to support in harness the potential of the regions for economic growth and sustainability.

The Overlord of Mamprusi, Nayiri commended Yagbonwura for the steps takes to unite the kings within the Northern sector and also make the youth see themselves as brothers and sisters.

He also assured of the palace readiness to smoke peace pipe with all kingdoms and therefore called for more collaborations and dialogue to resolve their differences.

“The dispute in Lukula is a very disturbing and sensitive issue; we must use dialogue to resolve it amicably in the interest of our people,” he said.

Nayiri said the two kingdoms must be proud that their sons were vying for the presidency in this year’s December general election.

“We must be proud of ourselves that in this year’s election, two of our illustrious sons of Yagbon and Mamprugu are the main contenders of the presidency, he added.

Yagbonwura there expressed gratitude to Nayiri fr the warm reception and assured of educating the youth to team up together to ensure peace and unity that will bring about development.

We need to address out differences to ensure peace and sanity to attract more investors to the regions to harness on our potential resources for job creation,he said.

History of the Mamprusi

The Mamprusi are an ethnic group in northern Ghana and Togo who speak Mampruli, a Gur language. Their origins can be traced back to Na Gbewa, who is believed to have entered the area from the Northeast in the 13th century.

The Mamprusi Kingdom, founded by Na Gbewa's son Naa Gbanwah/Gbewah at Pusiga, is the oldest kingdom in the region that is now Ghana. The kingdom was divided after Na Gbewa's death, with his elder and younger sons becoming kings of the Mamprusi and Dagomba peoples respectively.

In the 17th century, the Mamprusi provided military assistance to the Kusasi people against the Bissa, establishing security posts and appointing Mamprusi princes as chiefs in predominantly Kusasi settlements. This arrangement gave the Nayiri (king) of Mamprugu the prerogative to install a Mamprusi as the ruler of Bawku.

Today, the Mamprusi live mainly in the North East Region of Ghana, with a few also residing in northern Togo. They are hoe cultivators who grow crops like millet, corn, yams, and tobacco. Islam has been widely adopted, but traditional religious practices persist.

Brief history of Gonjas

The Gonja people, also known as Ngbanya, are an ethnic group in northern Ghana with origins tracing back to the Mali Empire. They established the Kingdom of Gonja around the mid-16th century, following a migration led by Sumaila Ndewura Jakpa, who conquered the region and founded the ruling dynasty in 1675.

The kingdom thrived on trade, particularly in kola nuts and slaves, and became a significant regional power.

The capital was established at Yagbum, and the Gonja society was stratified into various classes, including a ruling elite and a Muslim trader class.

The current Yagbongwura, the title for the king, is Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, who has been in power since 2023.

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