Nima Families renew 19th century land pact with Odoi Kwao Family in ancestral rites celebration

By Paul Mamattah

The Futa, Mulai Abid Jallo, Koola, Wangara, Braimah Gimbala, and Haruna families from Nima in the Greater Accra region have performed their annual customary rites to renew a longstanding settlement agreement between their forefathers and some Fulani herdsmen, dating back to the 19th century.

These annual customary rites serve as a time for the community to come together to honour their ancestors, seek blessings for the upcoming year, and foster unity among family members. 

The rites also serve as a reminder of their heritage, providing an opportunity for younger members of the community to learn about their ancestral traditions and values.

These rites have been annually performed since 1931 to officially integrate them into the broader Nii Odoi Kwao family of Osu, reaffirming their family lineage with their ancestral family.

During the ceremony, various rituals and practices were observed, including purification ceremonies, libation pouring, and prayers to their ancestors. Traditional dances and music also accompanied the rituals, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Addressing the gathering at Osu, the Head of Nii Odoi Kwao Family, Nii Odoi Kwa, recounted the historic pact made on July 12, 193, saying on that day, Osu elders signed an agreement granting a portion of their land then known as “Niiman,” which in modern day is referred to as Nima to six Fulani herdsmen including Futa, Mulai Abid Jallo, Koola, Wangara, Braimah Gimbala, and Haruna families.

“This single agreement has since become a yearly ritual mandating the descendants of the Fulani Family settlers at Nima to renew their tenancy agreement with us, their Landlords.” Nii Odoi Kwao II, stated.

“The ceremony is significantly celebrated every year, they come to perform rites to confirm that they are our tenants and that we co-exist.” He emphasized.

The Head of Family further established that the Nii Odoi Kwao lineage’s deep roots, confirming ownership of vast tracts known as “Akanetso” (the flamboyant tree lands), encompassing areas including Asylum Down, parts of the Achimota Forest, Roman Ridge, Nima, and Mamoobi.

On his part, the Chief of Nima, Abachena Brimah Gimbala IV, a direct descendant of the founding Gimbala family, struck a chord on community gratitude, youth empowerment, and the indispensable role of women in Ghanaian society.

He expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the Nima community towards their landlords, describing a recent event as successful.

“We came here today to thank the new family as our landlord, and I think the event went well,” stated the Chief. We are here showing our appreciation on behalf of ourselves and our forefathers. That’s what we did today.” He said.

Shifting focus to national concerns, Chief Gimbala IV, underscored the importance of the plight and potential of Ghanaian youth, placing responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the older generation.

“Concerning the youth in Ghana, the responsibility lies with the elders. When you open an opportunity for the youth, they’ll take it. When the doors for opportunities are closed, it becomes very difficult for the youth to see which way is the right direction”. He asserted.

The Chief then turned his attention to Ghanaian women, offering unreserved praise for their dedication and work ethic.

“For women in this country as a whole, we have to be thankful to them. I can tell you, there is one thing about the women in Ghana. They are not lazy. They are hard-working women.” Chief Gimbala declared.

He shared a personal testament: “I was looked after by a woman after my father was gone, so I understood the kind of hard work women put in to take care of their family. So to me, the women of Ghana, congratulations.” He noted.

The Gimbala Family, descendants of the original signatory, presented traditional offerings such as a live cow, assorted drinks, a cash sum, and other customary items. 

This gesture, deeply embedded in the agreement’s terms, served as a tangible expression of appreciation for the Osu family’s continued hospitality and the peaceful coexistence enshrined in their ancestors’ pact. 

The ceremony reaffirmed a bond between landlord and tenant spanning generations and standing as a remarkable testament to Ghana’s inter-ethnic heritage.

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