In Guo, in the Upper West Region, hundreds of mourners joined the Chiefs and residents of the Nandom Traditional Area to put to rest their sub Chief, Naa Gongyang Gyiele IV.
The traditional leader was remembered as a devout Christian, a promoter of peace, and someone who was concerned with progress. A week of grief and joy culminated with the burial ritual.
The chief’s lifeless remains were carried in procession through the Guo primary school football park by chiefs and queens of the Guo Traditional Area.
On May 6, 2006, Joseph Banpuori Keller Gongyang underwent enskinning and was given the skin name Naa Gongyang Gyiele IV. As the sixth Divisional Chief of Guo, he succeeded Naa Sugem Gyiele.
He was a supporter of education; among other things, he built classrooms, provided an ICT laboratory, donated twin desks, sponsored students in various tertiary institutions, donated books and sporting equipment, conducted speeches and award ceremonies for Guo schools, and more.
In addition to founding another association in Accra while serving as the chairman of the Guo Youth Association in Kumasi, Naa Gongyang Gyiele also proposed a homecoming summit in 2020, which resulted in the formation of the Guo Literates Association.
Gongyang, who passed away after a brief illness, was remembered by his family as a selfless, humorous, but strict person who wasn’t soft when it came to correcting others when they did something wrong.
His children’s education, dedication to Christian values, and amazing sense of humor were all recalled by his family.
Madam Regina Lewil, a sister of the late Guo chief in her tribute said, We pay respect to a magnificent brother and father, a chief of humble beginnings who was not afraid to dream, a kind man who sincerely cared about everyone, including strangers.
“I cannot imagine i would not be able to talk to my “big bro” again. His sense of humor was priceless. Despite his high social status, Chief was very approachable. Many will miss these rare attributes of such a kind man” she said on a sad note.
She also described Naa Gongyang Gyiele 16 years tenure as one that saw unification and development in the area.
Also, the Northern Ghana christians chiefs association (NGCCA) said they are motivated to write a tribute because of some reasons which include how members emotionally praised his virtues and mentioned good things about Naa Gongyang Gyiele.
“You spent your entire life leading, sharing love and supporting people. You gave out your very best for the development of your community and members of the Northern Ghana Christians Chiefs Association (upper west branch)”. They said
His children who affectionately called him Daddy acknowledged him as a generous and compassionate soul, indicating his demise as sudden and still can’t believe it.
“Daddy did not compromise on education for his children. He left no stone unturned and always demanded the best from us . He was a friend, a teacher, a counsellor and roll model.”
“We are gathered not just to celebrate and honor your life and legacy, but also to acknowledge the great love, immense generosity and self sacrifices you showed us your children, your family and the entire Guo community” they mourned.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Ghana’s Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, the MP of Nandom constituency, Nandom Municipal Chief Executive, New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress (NDC) party members in Nandom, and security personnel.
Inaddition, Paramount chiefs and queen mothers from the upper west region and some metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives were also present to bid farewell to the Guo Naa.
www.padfm.com.gh / Edwin Gogu
