CULTURE NEWS

GHANA-NAMIBIA RELATIONS

GA KING & NAMIBIAN COUNTERPARTS TO COLLABORATE TO STRENGTHEN TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE

By Isaac Clottey, (jamrock4ever@gmail.com)

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has underscored the importance of cultural exchange and traditional governance in strengthening inter-African cooperation, particularly between Ghana and Namibia.

King Tackie Teiko addressing the Namibian Chiefs

He made these remarks on Monday during an engagement with a high-powered Namibian delegation of paramount chiefs and senior traditional leaders at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra.

The Namibian delegation was led by His Royal Highness King Fillemon Shuumbwa, King of Ondonga and Chairman of the Traditional Authority Trust in Namibia.

He was accompanied by His Majesty, Chief Immanuel Gaseb, Chairperson of the 54 Traditional Authorities Council in Namibia; His Majesty Chief Sam Kambazembi, Chairperson of the Chiefs Business Company; Retired Brigadier General David Mbandeka, Senior Traditional Councillor; Ms. Louise Penna Shixwameni, Chairperson of the Chief Investment Committee; and other senior government officials in charge of state enterprises.

The Namibian delegation of Chiefs

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, in his welcome address, expressed his joy at the opportunity for traditional authorities in both countries to cooperate and learn from each other on all levels.

He highlighted Ghana’s efforts in harmonising traditional authority with modern governance, noting that the judicial committees of the traditional courts are solely empowered to handle cases affecting traditional leaders, including chiefs and paramount rulers, and emphasised the uniqueness of this approach as a model worthy of study and adaptation by other nations.

Some Ga royalty at the Ga Mantse Palace

The Ga Mantse also commended the idea of mutual exchange programs between the two nations, where traditional leaders and council members could visit each other’s countries to learn best practices in traditional governance and cooperation with state authorities.

Speaking through his translator, His Royal Highness King Fillemon Shuumbwa, King of Ondonga and Chairman of the Traditional Authority Trust in Namibia, expressed his gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II for the warm reception. 

King Fillemon Shuumbwa of Ondonga at the Ga Mantse Palace

He pledged to strengthen the bond between the Ga State and Namibia.

He expressed optimism that this connection would create opportunities for citizens of both nations to visit one another, experience cultural diversity, and deepen their understanding of each other's traditions.

The visit by the Namibian delegation marks a significant milestone in fostering African unity, promoting traditional diplomacy, and enhancing cultural and institutional cooperation between Ghana and Namibia.