The traditional coronation of a new chief and queen mother of the Ga community near Accra, Ghana.
After the death of the previous leaders, the council of elders nominated several members of the local royal families as potential successors. Following days of deliberation, one chief and one queen mother were selected to serve as the new representatives and guardians of the community.
The four-day inauguration ritual begins with a symbolic hunt. Warriors dressed entirely in red — a colour associated with war and protection — search for the chosen leaders. Firearms are carried as ceremonial symbols of readiness to defend the community. Once found, the future leaders are taken to a sealed, secret space where they are fed and instructed by senior chiefs on their responsibilities and obligations.
After the death of the previous leaders, the council of elders nominated several members of the local royal families as potential successors. Following days of deliberation, one chief and one queen mother were selected to serve as the new representatives and guardians of the community.
The four-day inauguration ritual begins with a symbolic hunt. Warriors dressed entirely in red — a colour associated with war and protection — search for the chosen leaders. Firearms are carried as ceremonial symbols of readiness to defend the community. Once found, the future leaders are taken to a sealed, secret space where they are fed and instructed by senior chiefs on their responsibilities and obligations.
Simultaneously, priests and priestesses conduct spiritual rites, burning sacred herbs and entering trance states to communicate with ancestors. The new leaders undergo spiritual cleansing and initiation. Goats are ceremonially sacrificed, and their blood is poured over the feet of the chief and queen mother as an act of consecration.
After taking their oath, the leaders change from red garments into white robes, symbolising victory, renewal, and peace.
After taking their oath, the leaders change from red garments into white robes, symbolising victory, renewal, and peace.
On the final day, a procession moves through the community. Priests and priestesses lead the march with closed eyes in trance. The chief and queen mother are carried on the shoulders of community members, holding herbs in their mouths for protection and ritual silence. The procession visits royal family homes to seek acceptance, collaboration, and blessings.
The ceremony includes circling a centuries-old sacred worship tree three times, symbolising connection to ancestors and Mother Earth, and asking for blessings for the new leadership.
The coronation concludes before regional chiefs, queen mothers, elders, the paramount chief, and is led by a master of ceremony and a linguist, formally installing the new leaders.
