Chakwasi chiefs appeal for separate traditional council in Chereponi

Chakwasi (Anufor) chiefs have appealed to the National House of Chiefs and the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, to support the establishment of a separate traditional council in Chereponi in the North East Region.

The appeal was made by a representative of the Paramount Chief of Chereponi, Nanyame Kofi Malba VIII, who is also a leader of the Anufor community in Ghana.

He made the request through the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor II, during the 2026 Anufor Regional House of Chiefs Diaspora Conference at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

Explaining the historical ties between the Anufor and Gonja people, Nanyame Kofi said the two communities shared blood and family relations, having arrived in Ghana together.

He recounted that Mbemah, a spiritual leader, accompanied Ndewura Jakpa, founder of the Gonja Kingdom, during his campaigns to establish the kingdom.

According to him, after the delegation conquered territories extending to Chereponi, some of their leaders settled there and were unable to return to other parts of Gonjaland, including Damongo, Kpembe and Daboya.

He said the historical connection was the basis for the community’s appeal for a traditional council of its own, while maintaining its relationship with the Gonja Kingdom.

Secretary to the Anufor group, Alidu M. Nadjoba, said this year’s conference was being held to reaffirm the identity, history and cultural heritage of the Anufor people.

He said the gathering was also intended to unite Anufor chiefs and diaspora communities across regions and borders, while building a stronger community through culture, education, economic opportunities and sustainable development.

Mr Nadjoba called for peace, unity and development among the people, urging members of the community to work together towards a shared future.

Chief Abdulai Alhassan, Gbeimasewura and Sub-chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, who represented Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, assured the Anufor chiefs of the support of the Gonja traditional leadership.

He described the Gonjas and Chakwasis as close brothers, saying the relationship between the two groups was stronger than that shared with many other tribes.

He assured them that the Buipewura, chiefs across Gonjaland and the Yagbonwura were prepared to support the Anufor community in addressing its challenges.

Chief Alhassan also explained the significance of the Misses dance, describing it as a symbol of brotherhood and the desire of the Gonjas to maintain their close relationship with the Chakwasis.

He further assured the gathering that their appeal would be communicated to Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II for consideration.