After nearly two decades of intense legal disputes and traditional contestation, the Paramount Chief of Bunkprugu, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, has finally been officially gazetted by the National House of Chiefs.
The formal recognition, issued by the House of Chiefs on Wednesday, May 7, marks the end of an 18-year chieftaincy battle that has divided communities in the North East regional border district.
The gazette publication, which officially confirms his status as the legitimate traditional ruler of the Bunkprugu Traditional Area, was met with celebrations across the township, with traditional rituals held in his honour.
Naba Nasinmong ascended to the throne in May 2007 following the death of his predecessor, but his legitimacy was immediately challenged by rival factions, leading to protracted legal cases, occasional outbreaks of skirmishes, and stalled regional socioeconomic progress.
“Although I was traditionally recognised throughout this challenging period, this gazetting strengthens the foundation of my legitimacy as the Chief of Bunkprugu,” the newly gazetted chief said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.
The chief believes he now wields greater authority to pursue development projects that benefit his traditional area.
“The Jafouk family owns 99.9% of Bunkprugu land, and this gazetting means I can come out and move from place to place, region to region, or country to country and request something good for my people,” Naba Nasinmong added. “So due to that, I’m happy to have it, and it will help build the peace.”
The chief also took the opportunity to reemphasise his legitimacy as the rightful occupant of the skin, while thanking the Mamprugu overlord and proclaiming his allegiance to Naa Buhaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga II.
“My father, Nasinmong, gave birth to me, Alhaji Abuba,” the Bunkprugu Naba narrated. “And it is Lemma who gave birth to Nasinmong, and Gong who gave birth to Lemma, and Langbun who gave birth to Gong, and Sianon who gave birth to Langbun. Sianon was born by Jafouk, and Jafouk by Nyaam, Nyaam by Waar, Waar by Nabenkwan, Nabenkwan by Nyamdouk, and he was born by Tuok, Tuok by Kpanbeke, and he was born by our great-grandfather called Funfuna. Funfuna was born by the King of Nungu in Fada NGrouma called Yandabre, who was the 14th chief of Nungu,” the chief said. “That’s my lineage and this is why I’m the chief of Bunkprugu.”
The Bunkprugu Naba also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama for special attention to the Bunkprugu–Nakpanduri district, to ensure that his people begin to reap the benefits of stability, security, and harmony.
“Your Excellency, we are in your hands,” he pleaded. “We, the Bi-Moba land, are begging you—don’t leave us behind. We don’t have hospitals, we don’t have roads, we don’t have schools, and we have limited livelihood opportunities.”
The chief further admonished the President to ensure the resumption and completion of the district hospital project under the Agenda 111 initiative of the last NPP government.
Regarding his gazettement, residents expressed a mix of relief and hope, while traditional leaders across the North East Region have begun sending delegations to Bunkprugu to congratulate the chief and pledge their support.
Development partners and local NGOs have also expressed optimism that the resolution will clear the way for increased investment and stability in the area.
The gazettement now allows Naba Nasinmong to fully represent the Bunkprugu Traditional Area in the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, with legal backing and full traditional authority.
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