The chieftaincy stool of the Ningo Traditional Area, nestled within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, remained vacant for two decades following the passing of Paramount Chief Samuel Narh Osroagbo in September 2005. This protracted vacancy stemmed from extensive legal battles surrounding the rightful successor, a period marked by uncertainty and hindering progress within the community. The legal wrangling traversed the Regional House of Chiefs, ascended to the National House of Chiefs, and ultimately culminated in a Supreme Court ruling on November 22, 2024. During this interim, Nene Kanor Attiapah III, the Mankralo of Ningo, served dutifully as Acting Mantse (Paramount Chief) and Acting President of the Ningo Traditional Council, providing much-needed stability amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s decision finally paved the way for the installation of a new Paramount Chief. On March 28, 2015, the National House of Chiefs officially endorsed Abednego Tawia Gblie Osroagbo, a 56-year-old native, as the rightful heir to the throne, bestowing upon him the title of Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Ningo, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the traditional area. The swift action taken by the chiefs and elders to install Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII on April 3, 2025, in a ceremony held at the Ningo Traditional Council in Old Ningo underscored the community’s eagerness to move forward under his leadership. The installation ceremony symbolized the end of a long period of transition and heralded a renewed sense of hope for the future.
During his address at the installation ceremony, Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII poignantly reflected on the two decades of legal disputes that had delayed the installation of a new paramount chief. He emphasized that while the litigation had undoubtedly presented challenges, it had also inadvertently fostered a sense of unity among the people of Ningo. He acknowledged the cyclical nature of the community’s history, oscillating between periods of disunity and periods of growth, highlighting the importance of embracing cooperation and understanding to promote progress and development. The paramount chief’s words served as a call for reconciliation and collective action, emphasizing the need to learn from the past and move forward together.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII directly addressed the detrimental impact of the prolonged chieftaincy dispute on the development of the communities within the Ningo Traditional Area. He lamented the lost opportunities and expressed his unwavering commitment to reviving economic activities and fostering prosperity within the area. His vision centered on seeking government support to acquire essential resources, such as machinery and chemicals, to facilitate mechanized and large-scale farming initiatives. These endeavors aimed to address food shortages, minimize post-harvest losses, and empower local farmers to enhance their livelihoods.
Recognizing the significant economic potential within Ningo, the paramount chief underscored the critical need for improved infrastructure, particularly the construction of paved roads. He acknowledged that the lack of adequate transportation networks had hampered economic advancement and pledged to advocate for government intervention to address this critical issue. In addition to infrastructure development, Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the well-being of the community. He vowed to prioritize sanitation efforts to prevent health-related issues stemming from unsanitary conditions.
The paramount chief expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and elders for their steadfast support throughout the challenging period, emphasizing the importance of their collective efforts in achieving this momentous occasion. He appealed for continued unity and cooperation among all members of the community, stressing that a cohesive and harmonious environment was crucial for fostering lasting peace and progress. His message resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the collective responsibility they shared in building a brighter future for the Ningo Traditional Area. The installation of Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII marked not just the end of a protracted legal battle but also the beginning of a new era of hope, unity, and development for the people of Ningo.
The installation of Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII signifies a turning point in the history of the Ningo Traditional Area. After twenty years of legal battles and uncertainty, the community can now embark on a journey of healing, reconciliation, and progress under the guidance of their newly appointed paramount chief. His commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the community, including promoting economic development, improving infrastructure, and prioritizing public health, offers a promising outlook for the future. The emphasis on unity and cooperation serves as a cornerstone for building a stronger and more prosperous Ningo Traditional Area, one where the lessons learned from the past serve as a foundation for a brighter tomorrow. The reign of Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII holds the potential to usher in an era of transformative change, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility in shaping the destiny of the Ningo community.
