Senya Beraku Ancient Political and Judicial Administration

 


The traditional administration of Senya Beraku in the ancient days was through the Seven Councils called, 'Nsɔn-wo' (singular, Isɔn): 

1. Ɔma Isɔn (State Council)

2. Adu-ebi Isɔn (Warrior Council)

3. Abirew Isɔn (Priests Council)

4. Nde Isɔn (Patrilineal/Male Council)

5. Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council)

6. Na Isɔn (Matrilineal/Female Council)

7. Ekuhawo Isɔn (Farmers Council)

The Judicial Councils were called 'Aban' and constituted:

Lower Courts

1. Ekuhawo Isɔn (Farmers Council)

2. Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council)

3. Nde Isɔn (Patrilineal/Male Council)

4. Na Isɔn (Matrilineal/Female Council)

A case would be first heard in any of the above four lower courts depending on the people involved and the subject of the case. For example, a case involving fishermen would be first heard at the Apow Isɔn (Fishermen Council) before being appealed or presented to the higher courts.

High Courts

1. Abirew Isɔn (Priests Council)

2. Adu-ebi Isɔn (Warrior Council)

Apart from receiving appealed or assigned case, they preside over cases regarding their priests and priestesses and warriors respectively. If a case had to be referred or appealed it would finally get to the Supreme Court, which is presided over by the Oma Odefe (Chief).

The Supreme Court is made up of heads of all the seven councils:

1. Ɔma Odefe (President/Ɔma Isɔn)

2. Ipi (Adu-ebi Isɔn/Vice President)

3. Ataa or Osow (Abirew Isɔn/Member)

4. Nde-Onyi (Nde Isɔn/Member) 

5. Na-Ɔse (Na Isɔn /Member)

6. Apow Onipa (Apow Isɔn/Member)

7. Ekuhawo Onipa (Ekuhawo Isɔn/Member)

Researcher: BIC Abeiku Okai

Photo: Chief Andoh, who hailed from Senya but became a regent at Elmina.

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