In the late 1950, when the then government, in his good vision decided to bridge the unfortunate prolong educational gab between the North and the South, some lucky areas in the Northern part of mother Ghana including Bawku were tipped to benefit a secondary school each. This came as a joyous moment for the good people of Bawku and our great hero [NABA AZOKA I], the then traditional ruler of Bawku. Unlike other traditional rulers who rejected similar opportunities, and turned away authorities, Naba Azoka rather embraced it and gave out his support and blessing.

Having seen this opportunity as a blessing, credible and reliable sources of history within Kussaug- have it that Naba Azoka I, quickly summoned the ‘TINDANAS’ [custodians of lands] of the Kpaliwega area where the secondary school is cited and by his traditional powers, asked them to release a virgin land to the authorities for the immediate kick start of the school building. The following persons, some of whom are still alive were the [TINDANAS] of the KPALIWEGA clan who demarcated the land for the building; Aziel Beeg Daam, Apenga, Amoriba, Abarike, Aba,apiig, Amenga, Aba,ge,et, and Age,et.

The above named ‘TINDANAS’ Having released the land under the command of Naba Azoka I, The official building commenced in early 1961.As tradition demands, Naba Azoka authorized and supervised the pouring of libation which paved the way for the commencement of the project. Three years after, the school was inaugurated [1963] and first batch of students were admitted in to AZOKA SECONDARY SCHOOL. The authorities, having recognized the efforts and contributions of Naba Azoka I towards the putting up of the school, named it after him.

But to the surprise of many, the name has suddenly changed from Azoka secondary school, to Bawku secondary school.

My concerns here are;

1. Who robbed Naba Azoka of this great identity, which to me should have been an indelible one?

2. Why the robbery of this natural gift?

3. What is the interest of this robber/s?

Few people within the Bawku traditional area blamed politicians for the unpardonable manner in which the name was changed, but should we sit down and blame these greedy politicians? Is that enough? Why not let us do the right thing now?.

If after a useless coup, our great hero was robbed of his valuables, is it not time we reclaim it as others did?

As usual, schizophrenic critics will sneak in and join the queue to spit all manner of venom on me, but let’s not forget that if we sit down unconcern, our children yet unborn will never forgive us. Comrades, let’s move all out and give our great hero a peaceful rest by renaming the school after him.

These useless, greedy bastards who robbed Naba Azoka I of his gift in the name of a coup, whether death or alive should bow down their heads in shame. They {the robbers} should note that we will disgrace them by renaming the school after Naba Azoka I.

Insha Allah, I will be back very soon.

Mpu,osya.

Abugri Sumaila Haruna. abugrisumailaharuna@yahoo.com

0247244879.