By Aaron Akwetey BOTCHWEY and Harrison MARTEY
An astute businessman, philanthropist and the ever accessible John Teye Nartey, known by most people as Joe Nartey, has been enstooled Youth Chief in the Prampram Traditional Area. His stool name is Nene Teye Nartey I. And he is the first occupant of the stool.
Prior to being captured by guards, he was in his office trying to wrap up for the day. He was doused with white powder and later wrapped in white cloth and carried through some alleys in the town. Amid the sounds of drumming, singing and firing of musketry, he was hurriedly sent into a room for the actual rites to begin.
He was then carried to a designated site allocated for the performance of traditional rites; and led by an elder, he took the oath. With the traditional sword firmly in his hand and paying rapt attention, his head wrapped in Nyanyra or bitter cucumber (Nyanyra is a herb which is an integral component of Ga- Dangme spiritual practice.
It is used in rituals of protection for one’s spirit and deflecting foul spirits.) and his face still covered in powder, Nene Teye Nartey I assured the elders of his commitment to abide by the sacred oath being administered to him.
According to him, at anytime that he was called upon and he refuses the summons, he will risk it with his head. “I will respond to every call extended to them – be it in the morning, after or evening,” he repeated.
For his role, the Youth Chief is expected to spearhead the operations development programmes that inure to the youth of the town. He is also to collate their problems, contributions and together with the traditional council, find solutions to them.
Unemployment is high on the agenda for the newly enstooled chief. Though a nationwide issue, the situation in Prampram is dire and is one that he is committed to tackling. Already in his private capacity, he continues to support most of the young people in the town with employment initiatives.
Apart from those he has directly employed into his own construction firm and other businesses, others have received substantial amount of funding to help them start businesses on their own.
He is the lead sponsor for the ongoing Futsal League games which is organised by the Prampram Hood League. The position is, therefore, a reflection of who he is in private life, some of the young people who took part in the programme told PramCitiTV, the YouTube channel based in Prampram.
The Youth Chief was later carried shoulder high and paraded through the town. He was taken to some homes where he was received and prayed for. He was then presented the Paramount Chief of Prampram, Nene Tetteh Wakah III and his elders, where he again swore the oath.
He reiterated his commitment to everything he had said and assured the elders he will not let them down.
Speaking to PramCitiTV, he also assured the youth to be calm and that he will work together with them to address some of the challenges in the town.
“Our elders have done their part and it is now left with us – the youth – so we have to do something for the elders to see that we are determined to improve the town.”
Nene Teye Nartey I also advised the youth to come together and support him for the good name of the traditional area to hit the right headlines.
