New Chief Outdoored at Pusu-Namongo

15-08-2011
Residents of Pusu-Namongo in the Talensi -Nabdam District of the Upper East Region could not hide their joy and excitement when they held a brief ceremony to herald their new chief. The new chief Zambulig Kumbelimsaa also known in private life as Peter Sagadiba succeeds the late chief Kotosi Yibig Badazabra who died on February 13, 2008. His enskinment was performed by the Paramount Chief of the Tongo Traditional Area with approval from the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga who happens to be overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional Area in Northern Region. Naa Kumbelimsaa, 56, is a native of Pusu-Namongo but resident in Obuasi as worker of AngloGold Ashanti. His elevation to the status of a chief came about when he was adjudged the best candidate among 9 other contestants who were also vying for the chieftaincy seat. Naa Kumbelimsaa before his official enskinment as the substantive chief for the Pusu-Namongo Traditional Area was accompanied by his elders to pay homage to the Tongo-Rana, Sabalug Namalteng at his palace. As tradition demands, the chief of Pusu-Namongo together with his other contestants presented a ram, assorted drinks and an unspecified amount of money to the Tongo-rana to ask for his blessing. The Tongo-rana in a brief message urged the new chief to be development oriented, tolerant and patient at all times. He was advised to uphold the dignity and respect accorded him by his people so that his subjects would not regret making him their leader. He also encouraged him to respect the views of his people and most importantly promote peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic divides living in the area. Naa Kumbelimsaa in his response, pledged to maintain peace and unity among his people and also attend to their wellbeing. He thanked the chiefs and people of the Tongo Traditional Area for the confidence repose in him and called on the people’s support as he embarks on a fruitful journey to development. He used the opportunity to appeal to the authorities to extend the Rural Electrification Project to the area. He further appealed for a community centre, police station, market and a health facility to cater for the health needs of the people.
GBC END IA/