By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), Aug. 28, GNA – The Wala Traditional Council has honoured the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sunmana Kingsford Bagbin, with a chieftaincy title following his contribution to the development of the area, Upper West Region, and Ghana as a whole.
The Speaker was honoured with the “Dakagili Naa” chieftaincy title within the Wala Traditional Area, to symbolise his dependability, reliability, strength, and wisdom in his leadership endeavour.
Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the Paramount Chief of the Wala Traditional Area, enskined Mr Bagbin at his Palace in Wa.
The title, “Dakagili, meaning Dependable Pond,” was a revered sacred pond and home to crocodiles of the earth god of Wa, which represented a source of life and sustenance for the people of the area.
The solemn ceremony was witnessed by leaders within the Wala Traditional Area and parts of the region and some community members, amidst cheers and appellations from traditional drummers in the Wala Traditional Council.
Naa Pelpuo said Speaker Bagbin epitomised the qualities of protection, continuity, resilience, and a sense of community that the crocodiles represented, as he continued to serve not only Ghana but Africa and the world.
“Just as Dakagili, our sacred pond is a source of life and sustenance for the people of Wa, so has Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the well-being of our nation Ghana,” he said.
While congratulating Speaker Bagbin for the “well-deserved enskinment and honour,” Naa Pelpuo said, “May his (Speaker Bagbin’s) illustrious deeds act as a catalyst to the youth of our country, especially those from humble backgrounds to aspire for higher heights, notwithstanding their humble backgrounds.”
Naa Puowele Karbo III, the Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, who graced the occasion, described Speaker Bagbin, (Dakagili Naa) as “a man of many parts,” worth emulating.
He said Naa Bagbin rose through the ranks to become the Speaker of Parliament, the first person from Northern Ghana to occupy such a position thereby making the people of the north and the Upper West Region particularly, proud.
Naa Karbo, also the Vice President of the National House of Chiefs and the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, eulogised the Speaker for his life achievement and humble beginning as a teacher who ascended to become a legal luminary, astute politician, and a renowned statesman.
Naa Bagbin expressed appreciation to the Wa Naa, its chiefs, and the people of the Wala State for the recognition and honour done him.
He pledged his commitment to keep the sanctity of the throne and to contribute towards the development of the people of Wa, Upper West Region, and Ghana.
“I consider this honour not to me in person, but to all the indigenes of this land, who on a daily basis, continue to pray, support, encourage, motivate and firmly stand by me, in our collective resolve to serve and to do what is right, just and honest to better the lot of our people,” Naa Bagbin said.
He indicated that the ceremony served as a reminder of the important role tradition and culture played in the fabric of the Ghanaian society.
GNA