Chamba community installs Ubwayaa Ibrahim Hudu Kuta IV as ethnic chief of Ghana, calls for diaspora unity and development partnership

The Chamba community in Ghana has installed Ubwayaa Alhaji Ibrahim Hudu Kuta IV as Ethnic Chief of Ghana, with a call for unity among Chamba people at home and abroad and renewed attention to education, peace and national development.

The installation ceremony took place at the Ghana National Mosque in Accra on April 26, 2026, drawing traditional authorities, government officials, religious leaders, security personnel and members of Zongo communities from across the country.

The ceremony began with colourful cultural displays as women’s groups arrived in coordinated attire representing different associations within the community.

Cultural performances formed part of the procession, including traditional knife displays performed individually and in groups. Drumming accompanied the arrival of the chief and the moment of investiture, while dance performances from other ethnic traditions reflected the diverse communities present at the event.

In his acceptance address, the newly installed chief, also known as Chief Malor, called on the Chamba diaspora to unite and invest in education, youth development and economic progress.

“Chamba has no room for division. Our strength has always been in our oneness,” he said. “Let us invest in education for our children, skills for our youth and dignity for our elders. A stronger Chamba means a stronger Ghana.”

Ubwayaa Ibrahim Hudu Kuta IV acknowledged the presence of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, describing his attendance as a source of spiritual guidance for the community. He also recognised government representatives, Members of Parliament and political leaders for supporting traditional authority and national peace.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Ubwayaa Zakaria Tahiru Kuta III, known by his stool name Zorsimdina I, stating that the late chief left behind a legacy of unity within the Chamba community. He said his own confirmation followed established customary procedures carried out by kingmakers and elders in accordance with tradition and the laws of Ghana.

“By title alone one does not become a chief. Service, humility and unity do,” he said, adding that his leadership would promote dialogue and reconciliation within the community.

Chairman for the occasion and President of the National Council of Wangara Chiefs, Masaba Fanyinama III, described the coronation as a sacred institution that represents continuity and responsibility within traditional leadership. He spoke about the historical relationship between the Wangara and Chamba people, shaped through trade, migration, Islamic scholarship and shared life within Ghana’s Zongo communities.

“Despite our diverse ethnic backgrounds, we remain one people bound together by faith, culture and shared destiny,” he said, urging chiefs and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence.

Among dignitaries present were former Minister of Defence and Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Mr Dominic Nitiwul; Member of Parliament for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Whip, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu; Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu of the Supreme Court; and Sarki Alhaji Salisu Maude, Greater Accra Zongo Youth Chief and Board Chairman of the Zongo Development Fund.

Also in attendance were the Hausa Chief of Greater Accra; Alhaji Mohammed Naziru Seidu of the National Identification Authority; a Chamba chief from the Ashanti Region; the Ghana Police Service Imam represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police; former Ayawaso East Municipal Chief Executive Hajia Salma Kuta; the current Ayawaso East Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Abdul Ganiyu Ibrahim; and Lieutenant Colonel Dawud A. Agbere, a Ghanaian born Muslim chaplain serving in the United States Army.

Ubwayaa Ibrahim Hudu Kuta IV called on Chamba youth leaders, elders and community groups to work with government institutions and host communities to create opportunities in education, entrepreneurship and social development.

He also encouraged members of the Chamba community living abroad to maintain strong links with Ghana and contribute knowledge and investment toward community growth.

“As I begin this journey, I do not walk alone,” he said. “I walk with my elders, with trust and with faith. May Allah bless the Chamba community and bless Ghana.”

The ceremony ended with prayers for national peace, unity among ethnic groups and continued cooperation between traditional authorities and state institutions.