Saturday will mark one of the most significant occasions in contemporary Ga history when its chiefs and people from urban and rural stools, home and abroad converge at the state capital to mourn their king of 39 years.

 

Nii Amugi II was enthroned ruler of his people during the presidency of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, survived all the administrations in independent Ghana and died two years ago, leaving behind an endearing legacy.

 

And to give him the honour worthy of his legacy, the announcement came that during the week of the burial obsequies, no other funerals will be held, and hospitals and their morgues were informed not to release dead bodies meant for burial within the Ga State.

 

This is to accord the Ga Mantse the due respect, “When the father of the Ga state is joining his ancestors in the village beyond, all and sundry are bound to join in the ceremonies to bid him – Fare Thee Well.” “This is the time every Ga should get himself/herself organized for the funeral. Every Ga is expected to be in mournful mood d during the burial of the Ga Mantse,” the statement said.

 

It therefore promises to be the grandest of funerals after so much time and energy had been spent to set the ball rolling for the important funeral.

 

Other chiefs from other traditional jurisdiction beyond the Ga-Dangbe area are expected to add more colour to the royal funeral.

 

Boni Nii Amugi was born Simeon Nii Yarboi Yartey in 1939 to Mr. Samuel Nii Ofoli Yartey and Madam Elizabeth Naa Afi Torgbor of Amugi We and Sakumo Tsoshishi respectively. Nii Amugi was the sixth of the Late S. O. Yartey.

 

Nii Ga started his schooling at the Methodist Primary School at Kojokrom in the Western Region in the year 1964. He continued at Nsawam E. C. M. Due to frequent transfers from one station to another, Nii Ga’s father decided to relocate his children to Accra, precisely Kaneshie to stay with his late sister Rosina Naa Odey Yartey.

 

In the year 1952 the children including Nii Ga were sent to Accra to continue their schooling. 

 

Nii Amugi continued at African College and Ebenezer Secondary School, Mamprobi where he obtained his G.C.E ‘O’ Level certificate.

 

In the year 1960, he was employed as an Accounting Officer by G.F.A.O. in the year 1962  the Ga Stool became vacant following the the destoolment of Nii Tackie Oblie and on the 20^th of March 1965 Nii Amugi was enstooled Ga Mantse, amidst pomp and pageantry at Amugi Naa.

 

Ni Ga was a direct male descendant of Nii Amugi I – Soose, (Ga Mantse 1802) and hailed from the Royal ruling House of Agyemankese Amugi We, a priestly kingship dynasty. Nii Amugi “Ke Ekee Ekeee” was a grand son of Nii Kwabeyaa Yaotey, an acknowledged lyric singer of Kpele both of Amugi We and especially of Nai We.

 

Nii Ga who was of a quiet disposition took to Christian training at an early age and until his enstoolment was the organist of St. Andrews Anglican Church at Abbossey Okai in Accra. Nii Amugi learnt to play the organ from his father who taught the rudiments of music.

 

At 26, Nii Amugi was the youngest man to occupy the ancestral sacred stool (Abetsi Afadi) of Nii Okai Koi who reigned for 39 years.

 

Nii Amugi ascended the throne with humility and with total dedication. He was a king of gentle disposition, a man of few words who rarely got angry. He was a King who enjoyed the company of his compatriots.

 

He was the President of the Greater Accra House of Chiefs for several years until his indisposition. Nii Amugi and some of his colleagues advocated the removal of Greater Accra House of Chiefs from the Eastern Region to the Greater Accra Region. Nii Amugi was the only Ga King who had the opportunity to work in harmony with all the Heads of States of this country until ‘he left for the village’. The reign of Nii Amugi was a peaceful one.

 

A sports fan, he was a staunch supporter of Accra Hearts of Oak and a lover of football.

 

He left behind a wife and eight children.

 

All chiefs in the Ga state therefore have some work to do during this week for this big funeral despite reservations some have about the conduct of some Ga chiefs. It is the funeral of a great Chief – Ga Mantse, who played a great role in ensuring peace and unity among his people.

 

The chief’s demise and burial could mark the end of all infightings and other chieftaincy disputes that   have arisen out of the mass sale of Ga lands by some Ga chiefs.