In a resounding declaration that echoed volumes, the chief of Ghana’s Aseibu Traditional Council placed unwavering faith in dancehall superstar Popcaan, proclaiming, “We believe in you!”.
The Jamaican artiste was officially crowned ‘Nana Okofo Akro Kese’, a prestigious chieftaincy title, in a ceremony that blended tradition, culture, and honour.
The title comes from the Twi language, one of Ghana’s principal Akan dialects. ‘Nana’ signifies a revered chief, ‘Okofo’ means warrior or fighter, ‘Akro’ relates to war, and ‘Kese’ translates as great.
Together, the title declares Popcaan a ‘Great Warrior Chief’, recognising his influence and signalling the trust placed in him to inspire and lead.
“We don’t do this for the fun of it,” the chief told Popcaan. “Now you have a big responsibility to lead the youths, not only in the Central Region but across the whole of Ghana.”
The Aseibu Traditional Council is a respected body of chiefs and elders in Ghana’s Central Region. During the ceremony, Popcaan was presented with a ceremonial stool, a sacred emblem of Ghanaian leadership. In local tradition, the stool is more than a seat — it is a vessel of ancestral spirit, linking the new chief to generations of leaders who came before, and conferring authority and responsibility in equal measure.
Ghanaian artiste and philanthropist Kahpun, now based in Jamaica, called the honour a remarkable achievement.
“These titles are usually given to people who have contributed to community development, and, because he loves Ghana and the Cape Coast, he is very deserving of it,” he said.
“It is a title given for life. He was made a development chief and every title comes with responsibilities such as cultural preservation. So, with his influence, he can create jobs for the youth through music,” Kahpun said.
Popcaan, whose given name is Andrae Sutherland, is no stranger to the Motherland. He has visited Ghana on multiple occasions, including during the ‘Year of the Return’ initiative in 2019, which encouraged members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots.
Today, more than 4,000 Jamaicans reside in Ghana, most in Greater Accra, particularly Ningo Prampram, drawn by the climate and economic opportunities.
