18/06/2025
The reason why King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II Stands as the King of the whole Ga state .
The designation of the Ga King as "Ga Mantse" rather than "Gamashie Mantse" can be attributed to historical context. Originally, there existed a singular Ga state referred to as Ga Mashie, signifying "Home of All Gas." The sovereign of this primordial Ga domain was designated as the Ga Mantse (Monarch of the Ga populace). Over time, adjacent Dangme communities including Nungua, Osu, Tema, La, and Teshie assimilated the Ga language and integrated facets of Ga culture. This cultural amalgamation resulted in these towns embracing a collective identity recognized as the Ga State, with the Ga Mantse serving as the ceremonial leader, even as each locality retained its own independent chief.
The leadership of the Ga Mantse during significant military conflicts and accomplishments substantiated the existence of a cohesive Ga state, exemplified by the illustrious Kantamanso War.
This organizational framework persisted from the 15th century until 1996, when the then Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Joshua Alabi, proposed the elevation of these towns to paramountcies. His objective was to ensure adequate representation within the National House of Chiefs, particularly as the reigning Ga Mantse—King Nii Amugi II—was in declining health, leading to a void in active leadership within the traditional council structure. The overarching proposal indicated that all newly elevated paramountcies would remain under the governance of the Ga State Council, with the Ga Mantse retaining his royal status.
Although the initial initiative aimed to elevate only five towns—Nungua, La, Teshie, Osu, and Tema—King Amugi II opted to enhance the status of twelve towns to paramountcy. Among these were:
• Osu
• Teshie
• Ngleshie Alata
• Sempe
• La
• Otublohum
• Tema
• Asere
• Abola
• Gbese
• Akanmadzen
• Nungua
Regrettably, due to his deteriorating health, he could only effectuate the elevation of six towns:
• Tema
• La
• Osu
• Teshie
• Ngleshie Alata
• Nungua
Tragically, King Amugi II passed away before the complete realization of this initiative. For several years thereafter, the position of Ga Mantse remained unoccupied (with the King Tackie Tawiah III stool embroiled in dispute) until the ascension of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II in 2020. Following his enthronement, he successfully completed the elevation of the remaining six towns (Sempe, Otublohum, Gbese, Abola, Akanmadzen, and Asere) to paramountcy status.
Presently, ongoing chieftaincy disputes and the lack of duly installed paramount chiefs in towns such as Teshie, La, Tema, Osu, and Ngleshie Alata have rendered the Ga Council somewhat disjointed. However, there remains optimism for the restoration of peace and effective governance.
The term "Ga Mantse" is preferred over "Gamashie Mantse" because, in cultural terms, the Ga Mantse serves as the king for all Ga people, not only those from Ga Mashie. Despite the growth and increased administrative complexity of the Ga State, the cultural importance of the Ga Mantse as a unifying figure and traditional leader for the Ga community remains strong.