“LEAVE A LEGACY”: TUMU CHIEFS ENTHRONE DVLA CHIEF EXECUTIVE AS “ŋAA-HEMAKLI ” WITH LAND OFFER; KOTEY PROMISES PERMANENT OFFICE BY 2027
In a colorful display of rich Sissala culture, the Tumu Traditional Council has adopted the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, as a son and prince of Tumu, crowning him with the title “)aah£Maglin”—which translates to “Leave a Legacy.”
The installation, which preceded the official commissioning of the new DVLA Tumu District Office on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, saw the Chief Executive neatly dressed in a magnificent designer royal smock, adorned with traditional neck chains, and presented with a symbolic cow tail to match his new princely title.
The title “)aah£Maglin” directly reflects a passionate appeal by the Tumu Koro, Paramount Chief of the Tumu Traditional Area. The Paramount Chief announced that the chiefs and people of Tumu are ready to release free land immediately for the construction of a befitting permanent district office and staff bungalows. He challenged the newly installed prince to make the early construction of these permanent facilities his personal goal and enduring legacy in the municipality.
Accepting both the royal title and the challenge, Mr. Kotey expressed deep gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Sissala area. He responded with a firm commitment, promising that the DVLA will officially take up the construction project next year as part of its authorized budget to establish a permanent, state-of-the-art facility in Tumu.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, whose keynote address was delivered at the event, lauded the traditional council’s gesture. He noted that such strong collaborations between government agencies and traditional authorities are the bedrock of successful decentralization, bringing essential public services closer to the people to stimulate local growth.
The newly commissioned Tumu office brings an end to decades of hardship for local drivers, farmers, and cross-border traders who previously had to make expensive, time-consuming trips all the way to Wa to register vehicles or renew driver’s licences.
By Bashiru Nuhu Bapagu