Nima, a vibrant suburb in Accra, Ghana, was buzzing with excitement on December 17, 2023. The occasion was the coronation of a new paramount chief, Mohammed Saini Farl, also known as Nii Futa. But there was another reason for the jubilation: it was also the birthday of Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who grew up in Nima.
A Nima Boy at Heart
President Akufo-Addo was among the dignitaries who attended the coronation ceremony, where he received a warm welcome from the residents of Nima. He spoke about his connection with the area, where he moved when he was 12 years old. He said he knew every part of Nima like the back of his hand and enjoyed some of the happiest days of his youth there.
“So it is important that I be here on such a day because I am one of you, because I, too, I am a Nima boy,” he said to applause from the crowd.
The president also revealed that December 17 was the birthday of his late mother, who was a big maghajia (a female leader) of Nima. He said she would have been proud to see him celebrate with his people.
A Zongo First Lady in The Future?
Nii Futa, the new chief of Nima, thanked the president for his presence and praised his achievements in office. He also challenged him to shed off the lame duck label that some critics have given him, since his vice president and appointees will be busy campaigning for the 2024 elections.
According to a report by Ghana Web, Nii Futa also raised the issue of representation of Zongo communities, which are predominantly Muslim settlements in urban areas, in the government. He questioned why individuals from Zongos do not make the cabinet of successive administrations, despite their large numbers and contributions to the nation.
He then expressed his hope that Ghana will have a Zongo First Lady in the future, referring to the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is married to Samira Bawumia, a Zongo native.
President Akufo-Addo echoed this sentiment, saying that he had a dream that one day Ghana will have a Madam president and a Zongo First Lady.
Nima Day Declared
Nii Futa also announced that he had chosen December 17 to be henceforth known as Nima Day, a day to celebrate the progress and development of the community. He said he had a vision to transform Nima into a model Zongo that will attract tourists and investors.
He appealed to the president and other stakeholders to support his initiatives, such as building a modern market, a hospital, a school, and a sports complex in Nima.
He also called for peace and unity among the people of Nima, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
President Akufo-Addo congratulated Nii Futa on his coronation and assured him of his government’s support for his projects. He also urged the people of Nima to maintain the harmony and tolerance that they are known for.
He said Nima was a shining example of Ghana’s diversity and democracy, and a place that he will always cherish and call home.
