14/10/2026
GA CHIEFS AND PEOPLE RECONNECTING WITH THEIR ROOTS
Ablade TV desk report
The Ga people share a common heritage, especially through language and identity. Yet, their history also reflects different ancestral origins. Over the centuries, people from various backgrounds have settled in Ga communities, contributing to the rich and diverse Ga heritage.
1. Abola Kpatashi and its Fante roots
Abola Kpatashi in Ga Mashie traces its ancestry to Fante communities including Abura Dunkwa, Elmina, Anomabo, Ajumanko and Moree. Ahene Nansiedu Nunoo (Nunu) and Ashirifi (Essilfie) are identified as progenitors.
On 5 June 2026, Nii Ahene Nunoo III as Abola Mantse led his people to Abura Dunkwa to join the community in celebrating the Ahoba Ketseaba Festival.
Family names associated with Abola Kpatashi include Ahene, Nunoo, Ashirifi, Opare, Nyaaku, Abeka, Amankwa, Ajumanku, and Ashirifia, among others.
2. Otublohum Atifi and its Akwamu roots
The Otublohum Atifi people trace their origins to Akwamu and maintain close ties with the traditional area.
Otublohum Mantse Nii Dodoo Nsaki II holds the title of Abakumahene of Akwamu. The Division is also home to the Akwamuhene of Otublohum, Nana Ofei Agyemang II, known privately as Nii Amoo Dodoo, who was inducted at Akwamufie in October 2023.
In May 2024, Nana Akoto Djan IV, Djan We Mantse and Nifahene of Otublohum, together with other elders also visited Akwamuhene Nana Kwafo Akoto III to celebrate Akwasidae.
Family names associated with Otublohum Atifi include Densua, Dodoo, Dodua, Djan, Amu, Darko and Ofei.
3. Otublohum Dadebannaa and its Denkyira roots
In October 2026, the Mantse Ankrah family of Otublohum Dadebannaa, led by Divisional Chief Nii Okanta Ankrah II, visited Denkyira to reconnect with its ancestral roots and participate in the Akwasidae celebration.
According to the family’s oral history, its royal lineage traces back to Otu Ahiakwa, a Denkyira royal said to have left Abankeseso around 1660 to establish Otublohum in Accra.
Family names associated with this section include Ankrah, Kwansah, Solomon, Otinkorang, Otinkorama, Okanta, Otua and Aponsah.
4. Asere Nikoi Olai family and its Aného connection
Led by Asere Mantse Nii Nikoi Olai Amashie III, members of the Asere Jorshie family travelled to Aného, Togo, to join their relatives for the annual Yeke Yeke Festival in September 2026.
Historical accounts link the division to Aného, Agbodrafo and nearby communities, like several other Ga divisions although accounts differ on the direction and circumstances of their migration.
Family names associated with the Asere Jorshie include Kotey, Kotei, Ashie, Naadei, Djanie and Neequaye.
These connections form part of the wider story of Ga history. Ga land has welcomed and absorbed people of different backgrounds, such that one may today find Ga with Dangme, Ga with Guan, Ga with Akyem, Ga with Asante, Ga with Ewe, Ga with Afro-Brazilian origins among others.
Reconnecting with ancestral roots can help preserve family histories and strengthen cultural ties. At the same time, these connections should not undermine the people’s Ga identity or their established allegiance to Ga traditional authorities.
