The Paramount Chief of Bunkprugu, Naba Abuba Nasinmong, has firmly rejected a recent ruling by the National House of Chiefs that nullified his enskinment, declaring that the matter “will not end here.”
The dispute stems from a long-running traditional leadership conflict in the Bunkprugu Traditional Area of Ghana’s North East Region. For nearly two decades, rival factions within the community have contested the rightful succession to the paramountcy, leading to repeated appeals and legal challenges through the customary and formal justice systems.
In 2025, after enduring nearly 18 years of disputes, Naba Abuba Nasinmong’s enskinment as Paramount Chief was officially recognised and gazetted by the National House of Chiefs a development that appeared to bring an end to the prolonged leadership struggle. Supporters hailed the decision as a major step toward peace and unity in the area.
However, that progress was upended when the National House of Chiefs later issued a ruling that effectively nullified his enskinment, reopening tensions and raising questions about the stability of traditional authority in the area.
Reacting to the ruling, Naba Abuba Nasinmong expressed deep disagreement with the decision, describing it as unjust and asserting that he will pursue all available legal avenues to defend his position. “This will not end here,” he declared, signalling his intention to challenge the nullification in the higher courts, including the Supreme Court of Ghana if necessary. His legal team is expected to begin preparations to file an appeal.
The chieftaincy dispute in Bunkprugu is rooted in complex questions of customary succession — a challenge common to many traditional areas in northern Ghana. Rival families and factions have long disagreed over who holds the rightful claim to the paramountcy. These disputes can extend over many years, involving successive rulings from sub-chiefs, divisional chiefs, the Regional House of Chiefs, and finally, the National House of Chiefs.
While the legal process continues, local residents and community leaders are calling for calm and restraint. Many worry that renewed conflict could undermine social cohesion in a community already striving for development and stability. They say that resolution of the leadership dispute is critical not only for traditional governance but also for broader efforts to promote peace, education, and economic opportunities in the Bunkprugu area.
Experts on chieftaincy matters note that disputes of this kind often involve deeply held beliefs about lineage, customary law, and community identity. They can strain relations between families and clans, especially when rulings from traditional authorities appear contradictory or are met with legal challenges in state courts.
By rejecting the nullification ruling, Naba Abuba Nasinmong has signalled his determination to continue the fight for recognition as the legitimate paramount chief. His supporters have pledged to back his appeal and maintain unity as the matter progresses through Ghana’s judicial system.
The outcome of this dispute may have implications beyond Bunkprugu, as other traditional areas facing similar chieftaincy challenges watch closely. Many see the case as a test of how Ghana’s dual systems of customary authority and state law interact particularly when decisions by traditional institutions are taken to the formal courts.
For now, Bunkprugu remains poised between tradition and legal process, with the Paramount Chief ready to defend his position and community members awaiting the next chapter in a long and complex struggle for leadership.
The Paramount Chief of Bunkprugu has rejected today’s ruling by the National House of Chiefs declaring his enskinment null and void and asking him to return the ‘staff of authority’. “We are going to Supreme Court”, Naa Abuba Nasinmong stated. pic.twitter.com/08ilH1uONY
— Alhaji Gbangbanku (@EliasuAlhaji) February 24, 2026
Source: Thepressradio.com
