Accra, Ghana – 1st August 2025
A storm is brewing within the Zabarma community in Ghana as concerns escalate over a self-acclaimed title being claimed by Mr. Musah Yahaya Nyandu, who has begun presenting himself as the “Greater Accra Regional Zabarma Chief” and also the Zabarma chief of Ghana without any traditional or legal endorsement.
In response, the recognised leader of the Zabarma community in Greater Accra, Sarki Pro-umar Abubakar Tanko, who is also the President of the Coalition of Zabarma Chiefs Ghana and the President of the Greater Accra Zabarma Chiefs has issued a strong public statement denouncing Mr. Nyandu’s claims.
The Foundation of Zabarma Chieftain
in Zabarma tradition, like many other Ghanaian tribes, is a sacred institution. It is passed down through a defined community selection of a candidate or Candidates to contest. where Candidates are more and the choice of people and the elders in Council would be endorsed and sealed by the performance of traditional rites.
However, where there is a successor the Community and the elders in council would evaluate and approve Candidate for crowning.
Community Chiefs are revered not only as community leaders but as custodians of custom, heritage, and social harmony.
However, the recent developments have thrown the established Zabarma chieftains structure into turmoil.
Unauthorized Festival Sparks Alarm.
The tension came to light following the circulation of promotional flyers and videos advertising the Zarmai Anna Amai Festival 2025, organized by Mr. Musah Yahaya Nyandu. According to the materials, the festival will feature the installation of new Zabarma chiefs, a development that has alarmed traditional authorities.
“I have received numerous calls, flyers, and videos about this upcoming festival,” said Sarki Abubakar Tanko in his statement. “Let me make it absolutely clear to the public and the authorities that I, the legitimate Zabarma Chief and leader of the Coalition of Zabarma Chiefs in Ghana, have no knowledge or involvement in this event.”
He further emphasized that Mr. Nyandu has not undergone any recognized customary rites and therefore holds no legitimate right to the title he is using. “The title he claims was merely inherited from his late father Yahaya Nyandu Chief of Abeka Zongo Baribari.
Without any traditional installation to his Claims that makes his position void of legal or customary standing,” the chief added.
With fears growing over potential clashes and unrest, especially if unauthorized chieftains installations proceed during the festival, that would Create Two Chiefs for one Community a potential cause for disturbance.
Sarki Tanko has called on key institutions and security agencies to step in.
“We are not against Zabarma cultural events,” he stated, “but we strongly oppose any attempts to install chiefs or impersonate traditional leaders during such gatherings. These actions are not only illegal but dangerous to community peace.”
Calls for Government and Security Intervention
The statement directly appeals to the following institutions to take immediate preventive action:
Ministry of Chieftains and Religious Affairs
Ministry of the Interior
Ghana Police Service
Greater Accra Regional Minister
National Security
Sarki Tanko warned that if any unauthorized installation of chiefs occurs during the festival, it may incite unrest similar to the recent chieftain clashes in other regions.
He also pointed out that some individuals involved in the upcoming festival are already under judicial scrutiny for attempting to unlawfully assume traditional roles.
Preserving Zabarma Peace and Integrity
As the tension builds, the Zabarma leadership is urging members of the community to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid participating in events that could lead to disputes.
“Our tradition teaches peace, mediation, and unity. Chiefs are meant to resolve conflicts, not create them,” Sarki Tanko concluded. “As leaders, we must uphold the values of our ancestors and ensure that the institution of chieftain remains respected and untainted.”
About the Author:
This article is compiled with information provided by the Coalition of Zabarma Chiefs Ghana, led by Sarki Pro-umar Abubakar Tanko, the legitimate Paramount Chief of the Greater Accra Zabarma Community.
For official statements, documentation, or media inquiries, contact the Office of the Greater Accra Zabarma Chiefs or the coalition of Zabarma Chiefs Ghana.
Telephone +233 244 777 594
+233 24 423 0461
