Chakwasi (Anufor) leader appeals to Yagbonwura and Buipewura for separate Traditional Council in Chereponi

A representative of the Paramount Chief of Chereponi, Nanyame Kofi Malba VIII, and leader of the Chakwasis in Ghana, popularly known as the Anufor, Nana Akwasi Issah IV, has appealed to the King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Jewu Soale Binkunuto I, and the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor II, to support the establishment of a separate Traditional Council for the Anufor people in Chereponi.

The appeal was made during the 2026 Anufor Regional House of Chiefs Diaspora Conference held at Buipe in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.

Speaking during the Statement of Purpose session, Nana Akwasi Issah IV, the Asante Regional Chakwasis Chief, who represented the Chereponi Paramount Chief, said the Chakwasis and Gonjas share longstanding historical, blood and family ties, having arrived in Ghana together.

According to him, the historical connection between the two ethnic groups dates back to the establishment of the Gonja Kingdom by its founder, Ndewura Jakpa.

He explained that when Ndewura Jakpa embarked on his mission to establish the Gonja Kingdom, his spiritual leader, Mbemah, was part of the delegation that accompanied him.

He further indicated that following the conquest of territories extending to Chereponi, some of their leaders settled in the area and could not return to Damongo, Kpembe, Daboya and other parts of Gonjaland.

Nana Akwasi Issah IV said the historical ties between the two groups should serve as a strong foundation for collaboration and support, particularly in their quest to establish a separate Traditional Council for the Anufor, popularly known as Chakwasis, in Chereponi.

He therefore appealed to the Yagbonwura and the Buipewura to support their aspiration, stressing the importance of recognising and strengthening the traditional identity and leadership structures of the Anufor people.

The conference was held under the theme: “Uniting Regional Chiefs: Knowing Ourselves, Bringing Them Together, Building a Strong Anufor Tribe.”
Explaining the purpose of the gathering, the group’s Secretary, Alidu M. Nadjoba, said the initiative was anchored on three key objectives: knowing themselves, bringing them together and building a strong Anufor tribe.

He explained that the first objective seeks to reaffirm the identity, history and cultural heritage of the Anufor people, while the second aims to unite Anufor chiefs and diaspora communities across different regions and beyond national borders.

The third objective, he said, focuses on building a stronger Anufor community through cultural preservation, education, economic opportunities and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Chief Abdulai Alhassan, Gbeimasewura and Sub-Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area, who represented the Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor II, assured the gathering of the Gonja Traditional Area’s support.
He described the Gonjas and Chakwasis as closer to each other than many other ethnic groups in Ghana, emphasising the historical bonds and brotherhood that exist between them.

Chief Abdulai Alhassan assured the Anufor chiefs that whenever they encountered challenges, the Buipewura, the Yagbonwura and other traditional authorities in Gonjaland would be willing to support them.

He also highlighted the cultural significance of the traditional Misses dance, explaining that it symbolises brotherhood and the close relationship between the Gonjas and Chakwasis.
According to him, the dance reflects the Gonjas’ desire to maintain their longstanding relationship with the Chakwasis rather than allow them to drift apart.

The conference provided an important platform for Anufor traditional leaders and diaspora representatives to reconnect, discuss their shared heritage and explore ways of strengthening unity and development among their people.

The appeal for a separate Traditional Council in Chereponi is expected to remain a key issue in their engagements with traditional authorities in Gonjaland as the Anufor community continues to pursue greater recognition of its traditional leadership structure and cultural identity.

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/ Salifu Adam Jabu