GA DANGBE HERITAGE 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; 8) 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; 8) 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; 8) 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 Ghanas 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 Ghanas 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 1960s and 1970s . 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 nations 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 1970s, 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 Nunguas 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 Mensahs IIs 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 Governors 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 Ghanas 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 Ghanas 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 Ghanas 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 Ghanas 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.Mensahs 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 Drummerwas 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 Ghanas 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 Yaboi 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); 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. PROFILE OF SOME GADANGMES WHO HAVE EXCELLED OR HAVE MADE VERY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THEIR CHOSEN PROFESSIONS AND/OR FIELDS. Name Profession ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Medicine & Health Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Dr. Beneditus M. Ababio Reproductive Health & HIV/AIDS policy; former Regional Medical Officer of Health ,Greater Accra. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Dr.Victor Smart Abbey. Neurosurgeon ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.Dr. Adjeidu Ammar Consultant Gyneacologist ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.Dr. A.A Armar Co-founder, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.Dr. Seth Ayetey, MD, PhD. Provost, University of Ghana College of Health Sciences. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6.Dr. Henry S.Bannerman Private Medical Practitioner. Founder of Abaabasee Political Party. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.Dr. Matthew Arnum Barnor (late) Co-founder of Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8.Dr. Samuel Ofosu Amaah President ,Ghana College of Physcians & Surgeons. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9.Dr. Kingsley Oracca-Tetteh Professor of Neuroradiology, Ohio, USA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Prof. Nii Otu Nartey Dean, University of Ghana. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Prof. J.K.M Quartey (late) Urologist ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Dr. Fred T. Sai Expert on Reproductive Health & Population Neurosurgeon, California,USA. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. Dr. Cliff N.B T. Tagoe Dean, University of Ghana. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nursing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Ms. Kathleen P. Ababio Former President, Ghana Registered Midwives Association. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Mrs. E.Nettey-Marbell (late,Auntie Sisi). Nurse, Midwife, Private Practioner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Mrs. Clara Quarcoo (late) Nurse, Midwife, Private Practioner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Mrs. Kate Quartey, O.B.E (late) Nurse, Midwife, Private Practioner. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Ms. Walterholtz (late) Former Principal, Nursing Training College. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Religion 1. Ablor Lawson, a.k.a Brother Lawson Founder, The Devine Healers Church, formery known as The Lord Is There Temple. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. Gabriel Charles Palmer Buckle (late). Bishop, Konforidua Catholic Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3. The Most Rev. Robert Okine Archbishop and Primate of West Africa, Bishop of Konforidua-Ho Catholic Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Rt. Rev. Francis B.Thompson Retired Bishop, Anglican Church. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music 1. Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah Founder, Tempos Band. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Saka Acquaye Artist, Sculptor, Musician, Founder. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Kpakpo Addo Saxonphonist, Master Drummer, Percussionist (Bongo & Drum, Osibisa. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Bibi Drew (late) Black Beats and Tempos Band -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Jonas Bibi Dowuona-Hammond Muscian, Music Producer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Brian Quaye Jazz Pianist -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Samuel Nii Robertson Musician, and leader of Odja Highlife Band in Montreal, Canada. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Gamaliel Nii Kpakpo Acquaye. The Devine Master Drummer & Musician. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Law Enforcement --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Erasmus R.T. Madjitey Former Inspector General of Police --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. J.E.O Nunoo Former Assistant Commissioner of Police. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aviation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.Tei Azu Retired Airforce & KLM Pilot. Founder of CTK & Kokum Aviation Netwetwork, &Citylink. Banking, Economics & Finance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Dr. Joe Abbey Economist, Executive Director, Centre for Economic Policy and Analysis. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Dr. John Saka Addo. Chairman, Prudential Bank & Former Governor of Bank of Ghana. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Dr. Samuel Nii Noi Ashong Former Deputy Minister, Finance & Economic Planning. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Dr. Amon Nikoi (late) Former Diplomat & Governor of Bank of Ghana. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Broadcast & Printing Journalism. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Naa Ashidam Amerley Radio Broadcaster and Programmer, Ghana Broadcasting Coporation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Sam Aryeetey Film Producer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Sam Bannerman TV Producer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Fifii Hesse TV Producer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Richard Kotey (late) Broadcaste, Newscaster, GBC & Voice of America. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Mrs. Susan Laryea Radio Broadcaster and Programmer, GBC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Genevive Nylander Broadcaster, Newscaster, GBC. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Education - Pre-Secondary & Secondary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. G.N. Alema, BA, (Oxon) (late). Co-Founder, Accra, Academy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Theophilus Q. Armar Author, Mathematics Textbook. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Mrs. Emelia Aryee Former Headmistress, Accra Girls School ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. S.N. Awuletey, BA Durham, (late) Co-Founder, Accra Academy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. B.A. Brown Mathematician, Author Math Textbook ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. A.G.Bruce Konuah, (late) Former Headmaster, Accra Academy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. K.G. Konuah, (late) Founder, Accra Academy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. James Akwei Halm-Addo, (late) Co-Founder, Accra Academy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Dr. Ruby Quartet- Papafio (late) Economist & Former Headmistress, Government Girls School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Adelaide Naa Awula Quaye Educationist & Former Headmistress, Government Girls School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Quaye Nungua (late) Founder, Nungua Secondary School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Higher Education ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Dr. Armar Klemesu Research Fellow, Nutrition Unit, Noguguchi Memorial Institute, University of Ghana.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:13:28 +0000
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