Audio By Carbonatix
A call centre worker is at the centre of a bitter power struggle to take over the throne of the Ga "kingdom".
Glasgow-born Rupert Tackie, 35, reckons he should be crowned king of the Ga people in Ghana - and plans to launch a daring leadership bid.
King Tackie Tawiah III is the current ruler - or Ga Mantse - of the two million-strong people.
But some leaders have called for his immediate abdication after branding his selection as "flawed".
And last night Rupert said: "I am resurrecting my family's stake in this tribe.
"I suppose you could say I am going to be a bit like William Wallace was to the Scots."
Rupert revealed he only learned he is a contender for the royal seat, following a trip to Ghana with dad William in December.
He claims his uncle Samuel Tackie - who was next in line to the throne - was assassinated with POISON in 2000 before he had the chance to reign.
Because Rupert's great-great grandad Jonathan Tackie was a Ga Mantse, tribal elders offered the call handler's dad William the seat after Samuel's death.
But he didn't want it, so the throne went to Tawiah - now ruler of the Ga, whose famous sons include France and Chelsea soccer legend Marcel Desailly and England rugby star Paul Sackey.
Rupert said: "A lot of people in the Ga tribe do not believe King Tawiah is the real Ga Mantse.
"When I go over there, there will certainly be a fight."
He added: "I'll have people around me who would give their lives to save mine."
Last August, there were calls in Ghana for King Tawiah III - aka Joe Blankson - to go.
Nii Amu Otia Penshiaku II - a tribal leader within the Ga - said: "The majority of people oppose him."
But a spokesman for King Tawiah vowed he will stay. Charles Safo said: "Rupert Tackie's claim is not true." Last night, however, Rupert insisted he could still take over.
He was raised in Glasgow before moving to the sleepy seaside town Dunoon in 1988 with retired nurse William, 65, late mum Eunice and brother Joshua, 31.
Rupert had no idea the crown could pass to him until elders took him to their royal village near the bustling capital Accra two months ago.
He has already chosen a bride - Irene Kokoroko, 25 - from 30 hopefuls. And he hopes to have a coronation, followed by a tribal wedding, then a civil ceremony where he plans to wear a KILT.
But he revealed he's already at the mercy of wind-ups by his pals at Dunoon's HEROtsc call centre.
Manchester United fan Rupert said: "If someone gets me a coffee they say 'there you go, your royal highness'. It's a good laugh."
Last night Ga People spokesman Adjan Tackie - tragic Samuel's son - said: "Rupert will become our new chief."
A spokesman for the Ghana High Commission said: "I have not heard this story before."
Source: The SUN
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Saudi minister vows ‘serious response’ to Houthi attacks on airports
17 minutes -
When dialogue fails and strikes speak: Is industrial action the only language government understands?
24 minutes -
Ghana launches Social Protection Act regulations and Affirmative Action Gender Equity Regulations
25 minutes -
Mahama swears in Emelia Afi Agbenyo, Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as EC Deputy Commissioners
34 minutes -
Wetland communities in Northern Ghana face a hotter, flood-prone future as climate risks intensif
37 minutes -
Sam George tasks KNUST to develop Twi AI model as Ghana plans local-language artificial intelligence
39 minutes -
Poor roads choking eco-tourism potential – Avatime Paramount Chief cries out
44 minutes -
DVLA records GH¢25 million surplus in 2025 as contributions to state funds reach GH¢98.1 million
49 minutes -
Over 10 suspected scam centre kingpins arrested and remanded – CSA
54 minutes -
Ministers, CEOs, policymakers to grace 7th Africa Public Sector Conference in Accra
56 minutes -
NDC sets filing fees for national executive elections, with chairman aspirants paying GH¢100,000
58 minutes -
Muntaka urges Ghanaian cannabis growers to form cooperatives under licensed cultivation framework
1 hour -
84 suspected drug offenders in custody as NACOC freezes nearly 73 assets – Muntaka
1 hour -
Immediate reconciliation key to building united NPP — COKA
1 hour -
MPs, CSOs push for dedicated budget line for malaria
1 hour