A representative of the Paramount Chief of Chereponi, Nanyame Kofi Malba VIII, and leader of the Chakwasis in Ghana, popularly known as the Anufor, has appealed to the King of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Jewu Soale Binkunuto I and the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, to support their quest for a separate House of Chiefs in Chereponi.
Speaking at the Anufor Regional House of Chiefs Diaspora Conference 2026, held in central Gonja District of Buipe in the Savannah Region, he said Chakwasis (Anufor) arrived in Ghana together with the Gonjas and share a blood and family relationship.
According to Nana Akwasi Issah IV, Asante Regional Chakwasis chief, representing Chereponi chief, when the founder of the Gonja Kingdom, Ndewura Jakpa, was coming to establish the kingdom, his spiritual leader was one Mbemah, who was part of the delegation.
After conquering territories up to Chereponi, their leaders settled there and could not return to Damongo, Kpembe, Daboya or other parts of Gonjaland. For that matter, they are appealing to the Gonja Overlord and Buipewura to assist them to get their own Traditional Council as Anufor, popularly known as Chakwasis.
The appeal was made during the Statement of Purpose session themed: Uniting Regional Chiefs Knowing Ourselves Bringing Them Together Building a Strong Anufor Tribe
Secretary to the group, Alidu M. Nadjoba,
emphasised that purpose is threefold:
“Knowing Ourselves – to reaffirm the identity, history and cultural heritage of Anufor people; Bringing Them Together – to unite Anufor chiefs and diaspora communities across regions and borders; and Building a Strong Anufor Tribe – through culture, education, economic opportunity and sustainable growth.”
Chief Abdulai Alhassan, Gbeimasewura Sub-Chief of the Bupe Traditional Area, representing Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, told the Chakwasi chiefs that Gonjas and Chakwasis are closer than any other tribes in Ghana.
He assured them that when there is any challenge, the Buipewura and all other chiefs in Gonjaland and the King of Gonjaland are ready to help them.
He explained the significance of the Misses dance, saying it signifies brotherhood; that Gonjas don’t want Chakwasis to go far away.
Story By Salifu Adam Jabu
