Benkumhene of Gomoa Amanful, Nana Abena Etruba I (The Woman King), has been honoured with the UN Kingdom Award and Citation of Honour by Legal & Justice Aid International, a civil society organization under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC).
The award was conferred during her historic homecoming to her ancestral home at Keta-Dzelukope in the Volta Region, where she was welcomed by the Togbi Tay-Agbozo Royal Families, the Togbi Dzokoto Gligui Royal Families, and the Nugbemado-Ziddah Families.
A daughter of Keta-Dzelukope whose lineage connects Anlo, Gomoa, and Ga, Nana Abena Etruba I was installed as Benkumhene of Gomoa Amanful in the Adonten Division of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Area in 2023.
The homecoming featured traditional music, customary rites and cultural performances from Anlo and Gomoa groups.
The award was presented by Dr. Alex Kwame Appiah (AM-DIM), Board Chairman of Legal & Justice Aid International and Mawerehene of Asamankese.
According to the organization, the citation recognized her leadership in traditional governance, child rights advocacy, women’s empowerment, and protection of vulnerable groups.
Dr. Appiah stated: “Nana, your leadership represents an important example of how traditional leadership can contribute to the advancement of human rights, women’s empowerment, social development, and the protection of vulnerable persons. On this occasion, we also acknowledge the importance of our traditional institutions and their role in preserving culture while supporting modern community development.”
Legal & Justice Aid International announced that through the award, Nana Abena Etruba I and her traditional council are entitled to pro bono legal advocacy and support in chieftaincy matters and litigation.
Dr. Appiah also disclosed plans to appoint three diplomatic representatives under the UN ECOSOC umbrella in New York, Geneva and Vienna, and extended an invitation to Nana Abena Etruba I to select one of the stations to represent the organization.
Nana Abena Etruba I expressed appreciation to her families for preserving her heritage and described the people of Anlo and Gomoa Amanful as one people. Togbi James Ocloo IV of Keta-Dzelukope urged parents and community leaders to prioritize child development and pledged collaboration with Gomoa Amanful, while Nana Nteboa Pra IV, Chief of Prestea-Hemang, who attended with other traditional leaders, commended the celebration and urged unity in preserving Ghana’s heritage.
