On July 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Ghana delivered a unanimous and decisive ruling that firmly establishes King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II as the legitimate Ga Mantse, quashing a previous order that sought to re-enter Nii Adama Latse II’s name into the National Register of Chiefs. This landmark decision brings a definitive end to a protracted chieftaincy dispute that has captivated the Ga State for years.
The apex court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, found that the Court of Appeal’s June 12, 2024, ruling, which had ordered the restoration of Nii Adama Latse II as Ga Mantse, violated King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s fundamental right to natural justice. Crucially, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was not made a party to the proceedings at either the High Court or the Court of Appeal, a procedural flaw that the Supreme Court deemed unacceptable.
The dispute stems from a long-running chieftaincy controversy over the rightful occupant of the Ga Mantse stool. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II was enstooled in 2020, but his claim was contested by Nii Tackie Adama Latse II, who claimed to have been previously enstooled in 2017. The legal battle saw various turns, with a High Court ruling and subsequent Court of Appeal affirmation favouring Nii Adama Latse II’s re-entry into the register.
However, lawyers for King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, led by Prof. Peter Atudiwe Atupare, filed a certiorari application at the Supreme Court, arguing that the lower courts had acted without proper jurisdiction in matters primarily affecting chieftaincy, which are typically handled by Judicial Committees within the traditional chieftaincy system. The Supreme Court concurred, declaring the lower court decisions unlawful and dismissing the order to include Nii Tackie Adama Latse II’s name in the registry of chiefs.
This ruling is more than just a legal victory; it is a profound affirmation of the authority and customary processes governing chieftaincy in Ghana. The inclusion of a chief’s name in the National Register of Chiefs is of paramount significance, as it legitimizes their position and authority, enabling them to perform statutory functions, participate in traditional councils, and represent their people at various levels of governance.
The jubilant reaction at the Supreme Court yesterday underscores the immense relief and validation felt by the supporters of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. This judgment not only solidifies his reign but also paves the way for stability and unity within the Ga State, allowing the focus to shift from legal wrangling to the development and progress of the Ga people. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, known in private life as Dr. Kelvin Nii Tackie Abia, is a respected entrepreneur dedicated to the advancement of the Ga State. With this decisive victory, the path is clear for him to lead his people forward.
By Raymond Ablorh
