Gonja Paramount Chief ‘Deskinned’ Over Hajj Pilgrimage; Yagbonwura & Gonja Youth Rejects New Chief
Tensions have escalated in the Mankpan Traditional Area of Gonja located in the Central Gonja District in the Savannah Region following the purported enskinment of a new Mankpanwura, Alhaji S.S. Gbankulso, by some sub-chiefs and youth.
This action was taken during the absence of the sitting Paramount Chief, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achode Borenyi (I), who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca to perform the Hajj.
Reports indicate that the enskinment rituals, including the performance of a Damba dance overnight, were carried out with jubilation among the faction supporting the move.
On the day of the enskinment, roads leading into Mankpan were reportedly blocked by the youth, effectively restricting access and heightening tensions in the area.
A statement purportedly from the Chiefs and elders of Mankpan Traditional Area to all media stations and Security agencies dated 13th June, 2025 on the instalation of a new Mankpanwura stated; “It is a sacrilege for a paramount chief of the Gonja kingdom to visit the land of Mecca to perform hajj, and this has been a long standing tradition and culture of the Gonja kingdom.
It added; “The destooled chief (Mankpanwura Achor-Ade Jakpa) knew this tradition very well but insisted that no one can question his authority, and decided to travel to Saudi Arabia (Mecca) to perform Hajj without even informing the elders and the good people of Mankpan Traditional Council.
The purported statement from the Chiefs and elders of Mankpan Traditional Area further said; “Upon hearing his travel to Mecca, a delegation of chiefs, elders and the youth representatives of the Mankpan Traditional Area, immediately run to the Yagbonwura, to inform him of the missing of their chief because they couldn’t believe the rumours circulating in town. To the surprise of all, the Yagbonwura confirmed to the delegation that the destooled Mankpanwura had travel for Hajj, and that, he the Yagbonwura was aware of his travel”.
It added; “The delegation questioned and reminded him (Yagbonwura) of the prohibition of paramount chiefs in Gonja kingdom from leaving their stools vacant in pursuit of hajj. The shocking response from the Yagbonwura was that, those traditions and culture are no longer relevant and that, they were old traditions. We are still wondering what tradition means and what he was referring to as old tradition? Do we have new tradition in Gonjaland?”.
The situation continues to draw concern from across Gonjaland, with many calling for calm and due respect for traditional protocols.
Meanwhile the Kimg and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale (I) has condemed the attempted usurpation of Mankpan skin and affirms Mankpanwura Jakpa Achode Borenyi (I) as the sole recognised Paramount Chief of the Mankpan Traditional Area of Gonja.
The Yagbonwura categorically condemned in the strongest terms the unlawful and dishonorable attempt by one Chamiawura to usurp the Mankpan skin through a self proclaimed enskinment.
A press statement from the Jakpa Palace dated 13th June, 2025 and signed by the Secretary to the Yagbonwura Chief Akunatupewura M.M. Mohaqq stated; “This act carried out in clear disregard for the customs and sacred traditions of Gonja Kingdom is not only illegal but an afront to the authority of His Royal Majety Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale (I), King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and the dignity of our time tested Chieftaincy institution”.
The statement from the Jakpa Palace stated; “For the avoidance of doubt the Mankpanwura, Paramount Chief of the Mankpan Traditional Area, sought and obtained the blessing and formal permission of His Royal Majety and the Kingmakers of the Gonja Kingdom to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Jakpa Palace said in accordance with tradition and good governance the Mankpanwura duly handed over the management of the Traditional Area to the Delepewura, the rightful custodian in his absence and the Kingdom stands fully by the process.
The statement from the Jakpa Palace further stated; “The Jakpa Palace said any attempt by individuals to distort or disrupt the established Chieftaincy succession and authority especially during the absence of a legitimate Chief is a direct threat to the peace, stability and moral fabric of our society and if such acts to take root no Paramount Chief, Divisional Chief of King could ever travel beyond our borders for medical, religious or development purposes without fear of illegitimate take over”.
It added; “His Rotal Majesty has accordingly tasked the Chairman of the Savannah Regional Security Council to take immediate and decisive action to halt any purported enskinment and to ensure that the perpetrators face the full rigour of the law. The integrity of our traditional leadership shall not be compromised under any circumstance.
“Let it be made abundantly clear that the Mankpanwura remains the one and only legally and customary recognised Paramount Chief of the Mankpan Traditional Area. Any other claim or pronouncement is null, void an.
“The Gonja Kingdom is built on unity, discipline and respect for tradition. We call on all sons and daughters of the land, and the general public to disregard any contrary claims and remain loyal to the legitimate authority of the Yagbonwura and the customs of our great kingdom”.
On the same issue, the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has said it has become aware of disturbing reports that a group of individuals in Mankpan, including some local elders and a faction of the Mankpan branch of Gonjaland Youth Association, are plotting to enskin an imposter as the new Mankpanwura.
A statement from the Gonjaland Youth Association dated 12th June, 2025 and signed by Mr Al-Hassan Baba Darison,
President of the Association stated; “This attempt is reportedly based on the claim that the current Mankpanwura travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj without notifying them”.
The Gonjaland Youth Association further said their independent checks from the Jakpa Palace confirm that the Mankpanwura duly informed the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom before embarking on his religious journey.
The statement from the Gonjaland Youth said; “The Association views this act as not only disrespectful to established customs and leadership, but also as a potential threat to the peace and unity of the Gonja Kingdom.
The Mankpanwura Jakpa Achode Borenyi (I) who is a member of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs, a member of the National House of Chiefs and Member of Ghana’s Council State appointed by President John Dramani Mahama has since returned from the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
Source: nkilgifmonline.com
