By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
A 47-year-old businessman, Kuoro Adikibe Dagbasi Basuglo Sampuo, has been outdoored as the new Paramount Chief of the Funsi Traditional Area in the Upper West Region. The enskinment and subsequent outdooring mark a new chapter for the area to progress in unity. The ceremony, held amid pomp and glitter, drew a large crowd of indigenes, well-wishers, and dignitaries from across the region. Traditional dancers energetically showcased the rich cultural heritage of Funsi, turning the event into both a royal duty and a cultural festival.
In his maiden address, delivered by his secretary, Dumah Yussif, Kuoro Adikibe Dagbasi Basuglo Sampuo declared peace as the cornerstone of his reign. He stressed that no community can achieve meaningful development without stability, unity, and mutual respect among its people.
The new chief pledged that the Funsi Traditional Council will deepen collaboration with the Wa East District Assembly and other development partners. He said the goal is to accelerate socio-economic progress, particularly in education, health, agriculture, and youth employment.
The outdooring was graced by several prominent traditional rulers who came to lend support. They included the Paramount Chief of Pulima, Kuoro Osman Dewia Nankpa, and the Paramount Chief of Jirapa, Naa Dinaa Daana Donglabong. Also present was the Paramount Chief of Busa, Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo Yelmaana, who represented the Wa Naa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo. Their presence underscored the unity among traditional authorities in the Upper West Region and the importance attached to the Funsi skin.
In a message conveyed through his representative, the Wa Naa, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo, charged Kuoro Sampuo to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor. He specifically urged him to continue from where the late Kuoro Kabasagiyer James Baduon Duma left off. The Wa Naa further admonished the new chief to work diligently to put the Funsi Traditional Area on a “higher pedestal.” He emphasized the need for visionary leadership that unites all factions and harnesses the area’s potential for the benefit of its people.
Residents who attended the event expressed hope that Kuoro Basuglo Sampuo’s background as a businessman would help attract investment to Funsi. With peace as the stated priority of Kuoro Adikibe Dagbasi Basuglo Sampuo, expectations are high that his reign will usher in a new era of growth and cohesion for the traditional area. Some members of the Fulbe community in the Funsi area were equally in attendance.
