27/05/2024
The Ga land from its origins has been divided into three principal divisions namely,
1. Ga Mashi (Accra)
2 Dangme (to the east and north), and
3 Obutu or Awutu to the (east).
The Ga Traditional Council comprise of the followings
1 Ga Mantse (Head)
2 Gbese
3 Asere
4 Abola
5 Otublohum
6 Sempe
7 Ngleshi
8 Akunmadzen
9 Ngleshie Alata
10 Osu
11 La
12 Teshie
13 Nungua
14 Tema
15 Nai Wulomo
16 Sakumo Wulomo
17 Korle Wulomo
OSU: The clans of Osu are:
1 Osu Alata
2 Osu Ashanti
3 Anecho
4 Kinkawe
TESHIE
The first settlers of Teshie migrated from Teshi in Togo by Nuumo Trebi, and followed by Nuumo Nmati and his followers from La; followed by Nuumo Martey and his followers from Prampram; followed by some strangers from Fanti land (mainly fishermen), and other strangers from Ga Mashi in central Accra.
The clans of Teshie are as follows:
1. Numo Trebi we; 2.Numo Nmati we; 3.Numo Martey we; Krobo; 4 Krobo; 5.Kle Musum; 6. Agbawe; 7.Bajoku; and 8. Akoble.
LA: Akutsei or Clans of La are as follows:
1) Abese; 2) Kwei (Koi); 3) Abafun; 4) Nmati; 5) Lenshi; 6)Klan Naa; 7) Saishi/Anecho.
NUNGUA: Has two main faction, the Amanfa and Sanshi. From these two factions are formed eight clans of Nungua. The eight clans of Nungua are as follows:
1) Nii Mantse We; 2) Nii Moi We; 3) Nii Borte We; 4) Nii Adzin We;
5) Nii Borkwei We; 6) Nii Osokrono We; 7)Nii Odarteitse We; 😎 Nii Djenge We.
KPONE/TEMA MUNICIPALITY: comprises of the following clan:
1) Bediako We; 2) Kojo We; 3) Sanshi We.
ADA: Ada traditional format is like the other GaDangme subnations format. The are clans, clan houses, clan names coupled with divinities for each clan house and each clan. The two main divisions of ADA are Big Ada and Ada Foah. Ada clans are as follows: 1) Adibia We; 2) Lomobia We; 3) Tekperbia We; 4) Dangmebia We; 5) Ohuewen; 6) Korgbo; 7 Kudragbe; 😎 Kabiawetsu; 9) Kabiawemu; 10) Kpono.
DANGME TRADITIONAL AREAS: These include Ningo, Kpone, Osudoku, Prampram (Gbugbla), Agotime and Dodowa.
NINGO: The clans of Ningo traditional areas are as follows:
1) Lowerkpono; 2) Salosisi; 3) Tawiah Kwetey; 4) Adela; 5) Odoi;
6) Odoi; 7) Old Ningo; Labiawer clan and Lowerkpon.
PRAMPRAM: The clans of Prampram are as follows:
1) Dawhenya(Kle Chawenya); 2)Afienya (Kle); 3) Miotso (Lakpler); 4) Mobole (Kle); 5)Mataheko (Akuble); 6) Ablekuma (Lakpler); Obetseklu (Klu)
KROBO: The traditonal areas of Krobo comprise of Numo Awuley Kwao; Kwaku Darpoh; Tetteh Djan; and Miotso. Krobo has two main divisions, namely Yilo Krobo and Manya Krobo. Krobo clans are as follows: 1) Dawhenya; 2) Afienya (Kle); 3) Miotso; 4) Mobole (Kle); 5) Mataheko (Akuble); 6)Ablekuma(Kakple) and 7)Obtseklu.
AWUTU/Obutu. Awutu comprises of Awutu Breku and Awutu Effutu. The clans of Awutu are:
1)Rumanian; 2) Dwomona; 3) Nzakara; 4) Kirundi; 5)Avikam; 6) Kissandaui; 7) Awutua; 😎 Twidan; 9)Bimoba and 10) Mo clan.
GADANGME FESTIVALS
1. Homowo Festival
2. Awutu Awubia Festivals
3 Krobo Festivals are: Kloyosikplemi; Ngmayem; Lapomi and
Kadoba Fiame.
4. Ada celebrate Asafotufiam; Ngmayem
5. Nungua celebrates KLEDZO Festival.
FEMALE INITIATION: Dipo
Otufo in Ga traditional areas.
Dipo in Dangme traditional areas
Both Otufo and Dipo are the same customs and they mark the passage of girls into womanhood by performing series of rites.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF GADANGMES TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF GHANA.
Here, this website highlights some of the achievements and contributions of GaDangmes to the development of Ghana. It is acknowledged that other ethnic groups in Ghana have made significant contributions to Ghana's development. However, the focus here in about GaDangme contributions.
1. Economic
Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa beans to Ghana from Fernado
po in 1877. He planted the seeds at Mampong in 1879. Since
then cocoa export has been the backbone of Ghana's economy.
Kwei Nungua:
Kwei (Quaye) Nungua was an enterpreneur and a philantropist, who owned farms at Oyibi and Ofankor. He also owned fishing trawlers in the 1960's and 1970's . Quaye Nungua was considered as the Best Famer in 1972/1973.
He contributed very significantly to education in Nungua and Ghana. Quaye Nungua established the Nungua Secondary School. Prior to that, hae had donated his building for Emergency Teacher Training, when the Gold Coast (now Ghana) was in need of trained teachers to meet the nation's pendinng educational needs. Quaye Nungua built and donated to the Nungua Presbyterian Church, the Nungua Presbyterian Middle School )The Nungua youth used to attend middle school at Teshie and Osu Salem).
When the Opportunities Industrialization Centers, OIC, came to Ghana in the 1970's, Quaye Nungua donated his three-storey, six-apartment building to them for free for three years while they settle in Ghana; many were those who had their beginnings from there.
Quaye Nungua established the Quaye Nungua Preparatory School, which he donated to the Roman Catholic Church to become the Nungua Roman Catholic Primary School.
This website, and most likely, many GaDangmes and Ghanaians alike, wish to thank Quaye Nungua for his immense benevolent deeds and sacrifices he made for GaDangmes, and indeed, Ghana. We pray that GaDangme youths of today will emulate Quaye Nungua's effort and great deeds. Quaye Nungua, "oyiwala donn".
Late Nii Larbi Mensah II (a.k.a Ataa Ahia), Atofomantse of Nii Sempe Mensa stool:
Nii Larbi Mensah II owned and operated transport lorries that carried goods from the Tema Habour to Accra and interior parts of Ghana. His tipper trucks supplied sand from Accra beaches and quarries to several building sites, both private and government. He owned building material stores at Tudu, Accra. His business played a major role supplying building materials during the construction of the Ambassador Hotel in 1951; as well supplied gravel during the construction of Ring Road and other constructions in Accra . His business supplied building materials to contractors such as Taylor Woodrow, A.G. Lang and had business dealings with R.T.Briscoe. He owned a cocoa farm at Ashikensu. Nii Larbi Mensah II was one of the major racing horse owners in Accra, and indeed, Ghana during his time. He was probably the only traditional ruler in Ghana during the 1940s, 1950s and the 1960s who only owned racing horses. Nii Larbi Mensah's II's business associates at his time include, Alhaji Norgan, Hon. Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, Yaw Ginn, Darku Mpontima, C.C.K.Baah, Wiafe, Mr. Reibeiro (a.k.a Papa Owuratu, Racing horses owner, famous Jockey and trainer; as well as Asafoatse of the Gbese Mantse Stool in Accra), to name a few.
2. Political:
In 1947, Dr.Ako Adjei, a Ga lawyer, recommended to the United Gold Coast Convention to appoint Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the Secretary General of the U.G.C.C. The post was originally offered to Ako Adjei. He declined the offer and instead recommended Kwame Nkrumah for the post. Later, Ako Adjei convinced Kwame Nkrumah to return to the Gold Coast from Britain to take up the post. Nkrumah returned to the Gold Coast in 1947.
In 1948, NII KWABENA BONE, Osu Alata Mantse, organised the total boycott of European exports and good in Ghana. He was supported by Kofi George Konuah, Richard Akwei, and Halm Addo, both GaDangmes.
Again, on February 28, 1948, two GaDangmes, Sergeant Adjetey and Private Odartey Lamptey along with an Ewe, Coporal Attipoe shed their blood for Ghana at the Crossroad junction, Osu. Sergeant Adjetey had led unarmed ex-servicemen to the Governor's castle to submit a petition. They were shot by British service men.
The death of these three gallant and heroic Ghanaians led to looting of European goods and stores in Accra and elsewhere in Ghana.
Also, the support given in Ga lands by Ga Makola women, our fishermen and ordinary GaDangme to Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and the Convention Peoples' Party played a vital role towards the attainment of Ghana's political independence on March 6, 1957. Such names as "Deedei Ashikinshan", Aunti Naa Amerle and many others should be remembered for their heroism, patriotism and the giant contributions they made toward Ghana's political emancipation.
Emmanuel Charles Quist, O.B.E: was the first Speaker the Gold Coast Legislative Assembly; and the first Speaker of Parliament when Ghana became a Sovereign and Independent nation on March 6, 1957.
Ala Adjetey, a Ga politician and Lawyer also became Speaker of the Ghana Parliament.
Two GaDangmes, namely, Obetsebi Lamptey and Ako Adjei played prominent role during our struggle for independence. Thet were among prominent political personalities known in Gold Coast (now Ghana) as the BIG SIX.
Ako Adjei, Tawiah Adamafio and Kofi Crabbe were prominent personalities in the Convention Peoples' Party. Kofi Crabbe was elected as General Secretary of the C.P.P.
3.Ghana Armed Forces:
GaDangmes have served with heroism and patriotism in the Ghana Armed Forces. They include Seargent Adjetey, Private Odartey Lamptey, Odartey Wellington, Robert A. Kotei, General Ankrah, to name a few.
4.Ghana Police Force:
Here again, GaDangmes have served Ghana very well along with other Ghanaians. Erasmus Ransford Tawiah Madjitey was appointed Police Commissioner of the Gold Coast on October 9. 1958 making him not only the first Ghanaian to be Head of Ghana's Police Service, but also the first African South of the Sahara and the British Commonwealth to command a Police Force
5.Education:
As far back as 1931, four GaDangme scholars imbued with the spirit of humanism, philantropy and patriotism established ACCRA ACADEMY located at Old Ankrah lane, Accra. The four founders of ACCRA ACADEMY were Kofi George Konuah, Samuel Neils Awuletey, Gottfried Narku Alema, and James Akwei Halm Addo. Since its formation, Accra Academy became and continues to serve all Ghanaians. Dr. Ako Adjei and Ohene Djan, former Ghana's sports "guru" were products of Accra Academy.
Accra High School was founded by Rev. J.T.Roberts with assistance from Glover Addo, Dr. Nanka Bruce and Mr Buckman. Accra High School has served GaDangmes and other Ghanaians to attain quality education, since it was founded.
Mr. Sackeyfio (Vice Principal) and Mr. Lee (Principal) were founders of Odorgonno Secondary in Accra, which has served and continue provide good education to many Ghanaians. The Founder and Research Director of this website is a product of Odorgonno Secondary School.
The Gold Coast National School (a.k.a Akwei School )was founded by Mr Richard Akwei, a prominent GaDangme educator.
The late Dr. Ako Adjei was instrumental in the founding of Nungua Secondary School, which has and continue to serve GaDangmes and other Ghanaians. Also, Ako Adjei and Daniel Quaye Tawiah (a.k.a Kwei Nungua) were instrumental in the founding of Nungua Secondary School.
Nene Sir Emmanuel Mante-Kole, K.B.E (Konor of Manya Krobo), Dr.B.W.Quartey-Papafio, Dr.F.V.Nanka-Bruce, Hon. Sir Thomas Hutton-Mills, both GaDangmes, along with Nana Sir Ofori Atta (Omanhene of Akim Abuakwa), Nana Amonoo, F.J.P Brown of Cape Coast, J.Ephraim Casely-Hayford of Sekondi were achitects of founding of Achimota College.
6. Medicine
GaDadames physicians were pioneers in Ghana. Dr. Benjamin Quartey-Papafio, Dr.Nanka-Bruce, and Dr.Carl Reindorf were instrumental in the formation of Ghana Medical Board.
Gadangme doctors such as Dr.Morton, Dr. Carl Reindorlf, Dr.Naka Bruce, Dr.Morton, Dr.Bannerman, Dr.Quartey-Papafio, Dr. Daniel Nee Annan, Dr.Barnor, etc. were pioneers in medicine in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) who served not only GaDangmes,but many Ghanaian communities.
7.Nursing and Midwifery
GaDangme midwife, E Nettey-Marbell, populary known as "Auntie Sisie", Mrs. Ablorh Lawson,etc. provided midwifery services in Accra to pregnant Ghanaian women.
8.Barristers and Solicitors
GaDangmes were promient in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) legal system during the colonial era, and continue to do so after Ghana attained political independence on March 6, 1957. Amomg them were Albert G.Heward Mills (a.k.a lawyer Agbado, C.C. Lokko,
Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist, Dr.Ebenezer Ako Adjei, Ala Adjetey, Justice Daniel Francis Kweipe Anna, Justice Nii Amaa Ollennu,
Nii Odoi B.Annan, Samuel Azu Crabbe, Hon. Thomas Hutton-Mills, Edmund Bannerman, etc.
9.Music
Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah and his Tempos Band was described as undisputed King of High Life Music in the Gold Coast (Ghana). E.T.Mensah's career from early 1930s to late 1980s; and his music reached beyond Ghana to all corners of Africa and Europe.
Gamaliel Nii Kpakpo Acquaye (a.k.a Guy Warren, "The Devine Drummer"was a unique and radical figure in African music. He was a leading member of the legendary Tempos Highlife Band in Accra. He was the best known as the first African drummer to play with jazz musicians in America. In the 1950s and 1960s. He recorded several albums in the United States. He subsequently returned to Ghana and became something of an artistic recluse.
10.Soccer
GaDangmes have played important role in the development of Soccer in Ghana. Prior to attainment of Ghana's independence, GaDangmes such as Chris Briandt, Oblitey, Albert Ananti Ankrah, Addoquaye Laryea, Ofei Dodoo, Addo Odametey,etc were prominent in the Gold Coast National Soccer Team.
GaDangmes such as Ofei Dodoo, Addo Odametey played for the Real Republicans and were part of the nucleous of the Black Stars, when it was formed under Ohene Djan. Today, GaDangmes players such as Laryea Kingson, Richard Kingson, Lee Addy, Ernest Sowah, Prince Tagoe, David Addy, Emmanuel Clottey, etc. continue to contribute to the Black Stars.
11.Boxing:
No ethnic group has brought fame and honour to Ghana through boxing as GaDangmes have done. Notable GaDanmes boxers include "Jack Taller"; "London kid"; Joseph Yarboi Tetteh (a.k.a Joe Tetteh); Jacob Kpakpo Allotey (a.k.a Love Allotey); Klutei Roberston (fought Sugar Ramos for the World title) Attuquaye Clottey; Royal Ankrah (Commonwealth Featherweight Champion, aka, The Black Flash); "David Kotey Kotei,a.k.a D.K.Poison (WBC World Featherweight and Commonwealth Champion; Azumah Nelson (a.k.a The Professor) WBC Super-Featherweight Champion; Ike "Bazooka" Quartey (WBA World Welterweight Champion); Joshua Okine (WPBF World Champion); Nii Ayi Bruce, IBF Intercontinental Welterweight
Champion; Joshua Clottey, IBF Welterweight Champion; etc.
Source: Ada foah Ghana
