Paramount Chief of the Nzema Kotoko Traditional Area, Tumivole Awulae Kaku Aka III, has called for reparative justice not only for Africa over the transatlantic slave trade but also for the Ahanta and Nzema people, arguing that the two ethnic groups have endured historical injustices, political marginalisation and decades of underdevelopment despite their immense contribution to Ghana’s history and natural resources.
Speaking in an interview with 1960news.com on the sidelines of the official launch of Ahanta Heritage Month 2026, the chief said the campaign for reparative justice championed by President John Dramani Mahama at the United Nations should also inspire a national conversation on historical wrongs committed against the Ahanta and Nzema people.
According to him, while Africa continues to seek reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation, communities within Ghana that suffered similar historical injustices also deserve recognition and redress.
Tumivole Awulae Kaku III recounted the execution of Ahanta King Badu Bonsu II in 1838 by Dutch colonial authorities and linked it to the later capture of King Kaku Aka of Nzema in 1848.
He explained that King Kaku Aka, whom he described as the brother of King Badu Bonsu II from the same Anona royal family, was arrested on April 18, 1848, after resisting colonial authority.
According to the chief, King Kaku Aka was imprisoned at Cape Coast Castle, where he was denied justice and freedom.
He argued that the persecution of the two monarchs reflected a deliberate campaign against the ruling family and symbolised the broader suffering endured by the Ahanta and Nzema people.
“The people have suffered serious injustice and mistreatment over the years,” he said, adding that their traditional institutions had also been weakened through colonial interference.
The paramount chief maintained that reparative justice should extend beyond financial compensation for slavery to include measures that address the developmental and historical disadvantages facing Ahanta and Nzema communities.
He said both areas remain among the least developed despite being endowed with abundant natural resources.
According to him, successive governments have failed to ensure that resource-rich communities benefit adequately from the wealth generated from their lands.
He lamented the lack of employment opportunities for young people and questioned why many key public appointments in the region often go to people from outside the indigenous communities.
“Our resources should benefit our own people,” he stressed.
Tumivole Awulae Kaku III praised the launch of Ahanta Heritage Month, describing it as a historic opportunity to unite the Ahanta people around a common development agenda.
He commended the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, for championing the initiative, saying it has brought renewed attention to the history, culture and aspirations of the Ahanta people.
According to him, Ahanta had been “silenced” and relegated to the background for far too long, making the heritage celebration an important platform for reclaiming its identity and advocating development.
He urged residents to use the month-long celebration to amplify their concerns and work together towards a common vision.
The chief also encouraged Ahanta people to embrace their language and cultural identity without fear or shame.
He expressed concern that some indigenous people no longer speak the Ahanta language fluently, warning that losing the language would weaken the community’s identity.
“There is nobody’s language that is better than yours. Be proud that you are Ahanta,” he said.
He similarly encouraged the Nzema people to remain proud of their heritage and continue preserving their cultural traditions.
The paramount chief stressed that unity among the Ahanta and Nzema people would be essential in securing greater political influence and equitable development.
He repeatedly called for the creation of what he described as an “integrated framework” to bring the people together and strengthen their collective voice.
According to him, disunity has made it easier for others to dominate opportunities in the region while indigenous people continue to struggle for jobs and leadership positions.
He argued that a united Ahanta and Nzema front would be better positioned to advocate for employment, infrastructure, education and other developmental priorities.
Addressing the youth, Tumivole Awulae Kaku III urged them to organise themselves, defend their heritage and actively participate in shaping the future of their communities.
He cautioned against allowing short-term political interests to divide the people, insisting that unity would be the foundation for achieving lasting development.
“As long as we remain united, it will be difficult for anyone to weaken us,” he said.
The chief urged the Ahanta people to seize the opportunity presented by Ahanta Heritage Month to speak with one voice, celebrate their identity and work collectively toward what he described as their “manifest destiny” of justice, recognition and development.
By 1960news.com
