Gundogu Naa - Highest female authority in Dagbon Kingdom

In the tradition and history of the Dagbon Kingdom, the Gundogu Naa holds a revered position as the head of all female chiefs.

Her authority represents the highest female leadership within the kingdom.

This esteemed title is reserved exclusively for the female heirs of the Ya-Na, Overlord of Dagbon Kingdom.

The Gundogu Naa appoints her subordinates, which include both men and women, though the community’s leadership is predominantly male. However, they serve under her authority.

The role of the Gundogu Naa is crucial in selecting a new Overlord of Dagbon after the passing of a reigning Ya-Na. During this transitional period, she ensures the smooth functioning of the palace and takes responsibility for its upkeep.

The Gundogu Naa's authority reflects the significant role that women play in Dagbon's social structure. Her involvement in choosing the next Ya-Na is vital to the kingdom's continuity and stability, symbolising female empowerment and leadership within the Dagbon society.

Historically, the Gundogu Naa’s role has promoted understanding and appreciation of Dagbon’s customs and traditions.

Palace

The palace is located at Gundogu, a suburb of the Yendi. Established centuries ago, the palace was initially built with traditional materials. However, it has since received a facelift.

The Gundogu's palace

In a conversation, a Traditional Historian, Yakubu Zakaria Tia, explained that the main role of the Gundogu Naa was to foster the growth and development of women in the kingdom.

He recounted the struggle the first Gundogu Naa went through to ascend the throne, explaining "the woman was trying to become the Overlord of Dagbon, but the elders saw it as unwise, which is why they created this title for female leadership."

He said the palace served as a notable tourist attraction, with a number of people from all walks of life visiting to have a feel of it and also learn the rich culture.

Roles

Mr Tia added that she was the only woman responsible for overseeing the performance of funeral rites of every overlord.

Also, he said the Gundogu Naa plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts among the queens of Dagbon and presides over matters that affect women within the kingdom.

“The palace is the supreme court for women in the Dagbon Kingdom, cases that are not resolved there are only appealed at the Gbewaa Palace," he indicated.

However, he expressed concern over the current state of the palace, noting that it did not reflect the importance of its name and history.

He, therefore, appealed to the Ghana Tourism Authority to consider the palace as a major tourism site, recognising its significance in showcasing the role of women in traditional leadership.

He also encouraged philanthropists involved in women's empowerment to invest in developing the palace to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles, especially in traditional governance.