In a historic gathering of culture, traditional unity, and advocacy, the Anlo Royal Heritage has welcomed Nana Abena Etruba I (The Woman King), Benkumhene of Gomoa Amanful (Adonten Division of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Area) back to her ancestral home at Keta-Dzelukope in the Volta Region.
The ceremony was further highlighted by Legal & Justice Aid International, a civil society organization under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), conferring its prestigious UN Kingdom Award / Citation of Honour upon the woman king (chief).
A Historic Homecoming Linking Anlo, Gomoa, and Ga Lineages
A daughter of Keta-Dzelukope, Nana Abena Etruba I was warmly received by the Togbi Tay-Agbozo Royal Families, the Togbi Dzokoto Gligui Royal Families, and the Nugbemado-Ziddah Families.
Her lineage uniquely connects royal heritage across Anlo (Keta-Dzelukope), Gomoa, and Ga in the Greater Accra Region.
Following her installation as the Benkumhene of Gomoa Amanful in 2023, this homecoming served as an occasion to deepen family bonds, highlight shared ancestry, and promote national unity.
The ceremony featured traditional music, customary rites, and colourful cultural performances from groups representing both Anlo and Gomoa, drawing members of the royal families and residents from both regions.
Honoured with the UN Kingdom Award
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Alex Kwame Appiah (AM-DIM), Board Chairman of Legal & Justice Aid International and Mawerehene Asamankese, presented the UN Kingdom Award / Citation of Honour to Nana Abena Etruba I on behalf of the UN ECOSOC-affiliated NGO.
The citation recognized her exceptional leadership in traditional governance, child rights advocacy, women’s empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
“Nana, your leadership represents an important example of how traditional leadership can contribute to the advancement of human rights, women’s empowerment, social development, and the protection of vulnerable persons,” Dr. Appiah stated during the presentation.
“On this occasion, we also acknowledge the importance of our traditional institutions and their role in preserving culture while supporting modern community development.”
Pro Bono Legal Benefits and UN Representation
Through the UN Kingdom Award, Legal & Justice Aid International announced that Nana Abena Etruba I and her traditional council are now entitled to full organizational benefits, including pro bono legal advocacy and support in all chieftaincy matters and litigation.
Dr. Appiah also revealed that Legal & Justice Aid International will soon appoint three diplomatic representatives under the UN ECOSOC umbrella in key international locations:
New York, USA, Geneva, Switzerland; Vienna; and Austria.
He extended an official invitation to Nana Abena Etruba I to select one of these international stations to represent the organization on the global stage.
Calls for Unity, Heritage Preservation, and Child Protection
Addressing the gathering, Nana Abena Etruba I expressed profound appreciation to her parents and families for preserving her diverse cultural heritage.
She described the people of Anlo and Gomoa Amanful as one people regardless of language or geographic location, reaffirming her commitment to supporting the development of both communities.
Sharing key messages during the event:
Togbi James Ocloo IV of Keta-Dzelukope urged parents and community leaders to prioritize the care and development of children, describing the homecoming as a symbolic moment.
He pledged continued collaboration with Gomoa Amanful to strengthen inter-community bonds.
Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Chief of Prestea-Hemang in the West Region, speaking to the media after honoring the event together with other chiefs commended the unique celebration of cultural diversity, urging Ghanaians to remain united and collectively preserve the nation’s rich heritage.
The ceremony closed with warm well-wishes for Her Majesty’s continued guidance and leadership across her traditional areas.
