Moshie Paramouncy Backs Mahama’s Traditional Peace Efforts In Bawku
The Paramount Chief of the Moshie in Ghana, Naaba Wobgo II, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for demonstrating strong commitment to restoring lasting peace in the troubled town of Bawku through a traditional mediation initiative led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Naaba Wobgo II highlighted that the Moshie community remains deeply concerned about the Bawku conflict, noting that both feuding factions — the Mamprusi and the Kusasi — are considered traditional ancestors of the Moshie people. He urged both groups to embrace cultural diversity and forge stronger alliances for sustainable development in the region.
The commendation was made during the second general meeting of the Ghana Moshie Traditional Area, held to assess progress in establishing a traditional village and palace, known as Zindiya, in Nalerigu in the North East Region. The creation of the Moshie Paramountcy was officially sanctioned by the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, in November 2023, when he installed Naaba Wobgo II as the first Paramount Chief of the Moshie in Ghana and donated substantial hectares of land in Nalerigu for settlement.
Historical accounts trace the roots of the Moshie people to a warrior named Atalmiro, who migrated from Gambaga in present-day North East Region to Zecco, in what was then Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). Atalmiro fathered five children — four sons and a daughter — whose descendants settled in present-day Ghana and Burkina Faso. His eldest son, Adare, migrated from Zecco and founded communities including Tungo and Yelwongo in Burkina Faso, and Yua in Ghana. The remaining sons established Singu and Shengu in Bolgatanga and Navrongo, respectively. The only daughter, Anyelinga, married a man who lived in the forest and gave birth to what became the Moshie people of Burkina Faso. The name “Moshie” itself is said to derive from the word “bush,” indicating that their forefather lived in the wilderness.
The relationship between the Mamprugu and the Moshie people dates back centuries, when the Nayiri installed his grandson as the Chief of the Moshie — a tradition that continues to this day.
Speaking on behalf of Naaba Wobgo II at the meeting, Chief Yusif Alhaji Adam Timptori debunked misconceptions that Moshie people are not Ghanaians. He emphasized the importance of tracing one’s roots in order to understand their identity and contribute meaningfully to peace and development.
Chief Timptori reiterated that understanding one’s history is key to fostering cultural appreciation and unity. He called on the Mamprusi and Kusasi to lay down their arms and unite as descendants of a shared heritage. Such unity, he emphasized, would strengthen their bonds and promote peace, cultural harmony, and sustainable development in the region.
