The Ndewura Jakpa Palace - Representing identity, rich heritage of Gonja Kingdom

The Ndewura Jakpa Palace is the traditional seat of the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom.

Located in the heart of Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, the palace is a centre of attraction and cultural activities and a symbol of the kingdom's deep-rooted history and governance.

It was named after Ndewura Jakpa, a Mande warrior and founder of the Gonja Kingdom, who led his people to settle in northern Ghana in the early 17th century.

Originally constructed in Nyange in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, the palace was later relocated to Damongo in 1942 under the reign of Yagbonwura Ewuntomah Awusi Bonayanso.

Currently, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I is occupying the seat.

Beyond being a royal residence, the Jakpa Palace is a sacred ground, housing the spirits and graves of past rulers who have shaped the kingdom.

Architectural design

At the entrance, a human arm holding a spear which is the emblem of the Gonja heritage is embossed, signifying the braveness of Ndewura Jakpa and all the ancestors who fought hard to liberate the kingdom from oppressors in the olden days.

Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale 

Originally constructed with traditional materials around 1942, it has undergone many renovations over the years, with the most recent being a major facelift in 2024. 
President John Dramani Mahama, who was then flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), constructed a new multipurpose palace to replace the old one.

The new facility is built with a Malian architectural design and comprises a palace, a residence, washrooms and conference rooms.

Also, it has a spacious courtyard paved with blocks capable of hosting over 5,000 people during royal gatherings and cultural events.

It also houses a traditional court, where critical deliberations on peace, unity and development take place.

Unlike the old palace which grossly lacked all the security features, enough living accommodation, and sanitary facilities, this new one has all it takes to provide absolute security and comfort to the Yagbonwura.

Inaugurating the facility in December 2024, President Mahama said, “This new palace, the Jakpa Palace, restores dignity to the skins of Yagbon and is a source of pride for all the people of Gonjaland.

Today, however, we can rest easy, knowing our father now resides in a palace worthy of his status.”

Significance

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, a Traditional Historian, Mahama Muniru Cosmos, described the Jakpa Palace as the traditional headquarters of the Gonja Kingdom.

He explained that the palace played an essential role in maintaining peace, unity and governance within the Gonja Kingdom.

Additionally, it serves as both a Supreme Court and an Appeal Court, making it the final authority on traditional matters.

"Any judgement passed at the palace is final.

There is no other traditional institution within the kingdom that can override its decisions — only a state court can," he emphasised.

Highlighting the palace's role in conferring paramountcy, he said "only at Jakpa Palace does the Yagbonwura have the authority to award paramount titles; no other paramount chief under him can grant such titles."

Cultural heritage 

Jakpa Palace is not only a traditional and judicial centre, but also an educational hub of traditional governance.

Chiefs and sub-chiefs gather there to learn the roles and functions of various traditional titles under the authority of the Yagbonwura.

Also, it serves as a venue for major festivals, where paramount chiefs and their subordinates come together to celebrate Gonja culture.

Given the rich history and cultural heritage, Mr Cosmos said with proper investment, the palace had the potential to become a leading cultural tourism destination in Ghana.

"A well-preserved and modernised palace will bring in tourists, creating economic opportunities and showcasing the rich Gonja heritage to the world," he said.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh