In a joyful gathering on August 5, 2023, the esteemed elders and residents of Gbese Sonmenaa family in Accra came together to celebrate the official installation of Nii Doku III, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, as the head of the Gbese Sonmenaa family.
Nii Doku III, also known in private life as Alhaji Issaka Nii Nertey Nettey, has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing family activities and driving development and progress among its members.
During the ceremony, the revered National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Shaributu, encouraged the newly appointed family head to exhibit patience and compassion toward his people. The Chief Imam emphasized that Nii Doku III’s philanthropic nature reflects his commitment to supporting the community. Highlighting Nii Doku III’s peaceful disposition, the National Chief Imam expressed his confidence in the choice, asserting that the role was well-suited for Nii Doku. He urged Nii Doku III to leverage his position to foster unity, particularly among Chiefs within the Ga communities, ultimately contributing to peace and development. The National Chief Imam extended his blessings, praying for Nii Doku III’s longevity, prosperity, and wisdom in his new role.
In his response, Nii Doku III, the newly appointed Family Head of Gbese Sonmenaa, conveyed his deep gratitude to the family for entrusting him with this leadership role. He urged continued support from the family to help him achieve his vision of promoting peace and unity not only within the family but also among the broader GaDangme community. Nii Doku III also expressed appreciation for the Greater Accra Hausa Chief, Sarki Kabiru English, and the Sempe Mantse for granting him the privilege to serve as a noble Chief and Sempe Muslim Akwashongtse, positions he carried out with humility and loyalty.
Assuring the family and the people of Gbese, Nii Doku III pledged to revive the warrior spirit by establishing an Asafoatse (Warrior) for the Gbese people. He called upon the family and the community to rally behind him in his endeavors. He proudly shared that his grandfather, Asafoatse Nertey Christopher, had been a distinguished warrior during the Katamanso war and had held the title of Asafoatse of Ga. Nii Doku III emphasized the rich history of the Gbese Sonmenaa family in producing Asafoatsemai for Ga and leading battles, including the historic Katamanso war. He underscored the family’s legacy of safeguarding and servicing weapons used in conflicts. With a deep commitment to the GaDangme community, Nii Doku III pledged to utilize his leadership role and influence to convene discussions among stakeholders, fostering unity within the GaDangme. He highlighted his strong relationships with personalities such as the Gborbu Wulomo, Nungua, Teshie, La, Osu, and other GaDangme communities, forged through their invitations to various festivals.
Furthermore, Nii Doku III called upon all Chiefs in the GaDangme areas to collaborate in unity, aiming to protect Ga lands from encroachment and drive development for the betterment of the community. Nii Doku III before his installment as the Family Head of Gbese Sonmenaa, was the Sarkin Talba (Noble Chief) of the Greater Accra Hausa Chief and the Sempe Muslim Akwashongtse. He is a philanthropist who sees the importance of youth participation in capacity building towards becoming entrepreneurs to better their lives.
Many describe him as a man with a Golden heart who always puts a smile on the face of widows, the needy and the less privileged in society. His contribution towards youth and women empowerment has earned him much influence on the youth. He has collaborated with many Non-profit organizations in the GaDangbe communities that seek to offer skill training to the needy and less privileged with some financial support as part of his philanthropic work.
He used his position as Sarkin Talba (Noble Chief) and Sempe Muslim Akwashongtse to transform many lives within the GaDangbe and Muslim communities.
Source: WadataOnline.com|Muhammed Faisal Mustapha
