Ghana Olympic Committee’s President, Ben Nunoo Mensah, has been formally installed as the Nɔyaa Mantsɛ (Development Chief) of the Ga State, in a ceremony held at the Ga Mantsɛ Stool House in Accra on Sunday.
This esteemed title, ‘Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I’, acknowledges Mr. Nunoo Mensah’s remarkable achievements in sports and national development.
As Development Chief, Mr. Nunoo Mensah, who also serves as Director of Barari DV Ghana Lithium Concession, will collaborate with the Ga Mantsɛ, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to ensure the successful completion of pivotal development projects within the Ga State.
The colourful event attracted dignitaries from the sports community, traditional leaders, and government officials.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II commended Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I for his unwavering commitment to promoting sports and youth development in Ghana. The King urged him to remain focused on his new responsibilities and to disregard distractions or criticisms meant to derail his efforts.
He also reminded the Nɔyaa Mantsɛ to be selfless in his role, emphasizing that his actions as Development Chief should benefit the entire Ga State and not just his immediate family.
Expressing his gratitude to the Ga Mantsɛ and the Gyaasetsɛ, Dr. Nii Tetteh Quaye, the newly installed Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I, said, “I am humbled by this great honour.” He dedicated the title to the sports fraternity, pledging to continue promoting sporting excellence in Ghana.
Nii Kojo Ashiefie Papanyira I stated that his immediate focus is to assist the King in developing the youth of the Ga State through education.
“I am very happy that King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has started the King Tackie Teiko Tsuru Education Fund, so we can offer as many scholarships to Ghanaian youth as possible. There are many challenges in the Ga State, and I believe I can help the King lift the Ga State to its former glory.”
In his role as GOC President, Nunoo Mensah has been instrumental in advancing Olympic sports and supporting Ghanaian athletes, leading to significant improvements in the country’s international performance. He has also previously led sporting federations, including the Ghana Cricket Association and the Ghana Weightlifting Association.
The Ga State already has a Development Queenmother, Madam Elizabeth Naa Anyema Nunoo, a businesswoman and owner of Odo Rice Food and Services. She was enstooled in August 2018 under the stool name Naa Anyema Ablade Okropong.
A coronation ceremony for the two development royals is expected to take place in the coming months.