'CMB' gets a new market queen

The Ga, Gbese and Korley stools have enstooled a market queen for CMB market in Accra.

The new market queen formally known as Grace Konu who was a tomatoes seller at the ‘CMB’ market was given a stool name Naa Ayekai Korley Didor I (Dzalanye).

Naa Ayekai was a tomatoes seller for about 55 years, starting from the Kaneshie market before moving to her present place at ‘CMB’.

A traditional ceremony was held on Saturday, November 2, 2019. at the Kokomlemle Mantse palace to formally initiate the queen into her office.

Under the supervision of the Korley Priestess, Naa Korley, Madam Grace was made to swear an oath of allegiance.

After which a white goat was slain and the blood poured on her feet to cleanse her.

There was pouring of libation to invite the blessing of the gods for guidance and protection.

She was then clothed in white garment while well-wishers, friends, and families made merry and congratulate her on her entoolment.

The Adabraka Mantse Nii Tetteh Adjebeng II said since the inception of the Ga traditional council of chiefs, there have not been any such enstoolment and that it was the first time such has taken place.

The market queen, Naa Ayekai Korley is now the overall queen of CMB, some sections along the Agbogbloshie railway, Kingsway, traders around Accra Brewery, Liberty avenue, Farisco and its surrounding areas in Accra.

Reasons for enstoolment

The Asafoatse of the Adabraka, Nii Annang Oti Kababang said it was time for the stool owners to benefit from their stool lands.

He said the enstoolment of a market queen was very necessary because she would serve as a mediator between the Chiefs and the traders, explaining that she would be responsible for communicating policies of the chiefs to the traders whiles she communicates the worries, needs, and challenges of the traders to the Chiefs for solution.

The Asafoatse also mentioned that the Queen will help check the act of some unscrupulous people who go to the traders claiming to be sent by the chiefs in order to extract money from them, explaining that every policy would be made in the knowledge of the Queen.

Qualification for enstoolment

The Kokomlemle Mantse Nuumo Okai Keteku I, said there are no laid down criteria or qualification for one to be enstooled as a market queen but the queen must adhere to all rules and regulations of the stool.

He said the queen cannot be sued and cannot sue, in the case of any legal matters she can only report to the Chief council to handle in her stead.

Nii Keteku told Graphic Online that the tenure of office as a queen is for a lifetime and would not expire.

He finally assured the queen that the Stool and the council of chiefs are behind her in all matters.

Naa Ayekai Didor I told Graphic online that she would use her office to settle disputes and misunderstanding among traders under her jurisdiction in order to promote a peaceful working environment.

She also said would also abide by the rules and regulations of the stool so they can promote and fasten development in the various markets in Accra.