By Isaac Nsiah Foster
March 22, 2025
For the first time in history, the Muslim community of Antoa has installed a Zongo chief, Alhaji Adamu Seidu, popularly known as Alhaji Demus. A renowned estate developer and cattle breeder, Alhaji Demus was enstooled before the Friday prayers (Jumu’ah), marking a significant milestone in the town’s traditional leadership.
The brief but colorful installation ceremony was conducted under the guidance of the Kumasi Sarki Zongo Palace representative, Abdallah Alin Tofa, who serves as the general secretary. Also present were Buokrom Sarki Zongo Chief, Musah Wahab II, Muslim elders, and other chiefs from neighboring Zongo communities.
Amidst the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and the firing of musketry, Alhaji Demus, clad in a white and mauve embroidered Muslim robe, made his way to the Antoa Central Mosque near his residence. There, he was welcomed by a gathering of imams, Muslim leaders, and distinguished guests from across the region.
The ceremony was well attended by clerics and community leaders, highlighting the unity and significance of the occasion.
Traditional Approval and Blessings
Speaking to Ghanaian Watch, Abdallah Alin Tofa emphasized that Alhaji Demus’ installation followed the necessary customs of the Muslim community.
“We do not impose candidates on Zongo communities or traditional authorities,” he explained. “In accordance with tradition, we must first seek approval from the Odikro or Obrempon of the land. In this case, we consulted Antoahene, and the next step will be to present him to Nananom for their blessings and counsel.”
He further stressed the role of Zongo leadership in fostering peace and development.
“The Zongo community is committed to supporting developmental projects, maintaining harmony, and contributing to the overall growth of Antoa and Asanteman at large,” he added.
Call to Serve Asanteman
Musah Wahab II, the Sarki Zongo of Buokrom, urged the newly installed chief to remain loyal to traditional authority and to actively support the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“Many times, when people ascend to leadership positions in Zongo communities, they distance themselves while Otumfuo and the Abrempon and Adikrofoɔ perform traditional rites,” he said. “Please, do not remain aloof. Go with your overlord to serve Otumfuo at Manhyia.”
New Zongo Chief’s Vision
Expressing gratitude for his new role, Alhaji Demus acknowledged the overwhelming support from the traditional leadership and the Muslim community.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Nana Kwaku Ware III, Antoahene, Sarki Zongo and his elders, imams, Zongo chiefs, and everyone who contributed to my installation,” he said. “May Allah replenish whatever they lost in making this possible.”
He further pledged to promote peace and development within the community.
“I intend to settle all disputes within my jurisdiction. I never imagined that my philanthropic work would lead to this honor, but I promise to continue and even do more to bring massive development to Antoa Zongo,” he assured.
Addressing social challenges such as drug abuse and alcoholism, Alhaji Demus noted that efforts had already been made to curb these issues.
“These vices have reduced significantly even before my installation, but I assure the community that my leadership will not undermine the existing measures in place. I will work to strengthen them and ensure our youth do not fall into such traps,” he stated.
With his installation, the Antoa Zongo community looks forward to a new era of leadership focused on unity, development, and strong ties with the Asante Kingdom.