22/04/2026
The Addys of Atukpai and Ngleshie: Lineage and the Stool of Nii Ngleshie Addy
Historical details provided by the Dzasetse (Kingmaker) of the Atukpai Stool, Accra
By G. Nii Okai Addy
Introduction
To understand the transfer of Nii Ngleshie Addy from Otuopai to James Town to serve as a battle commander for the James Town Stool, it is important to clarify the lineage within the Atukpai dynasty of Nii Ngleshie Addy We (i.e. Nii Ngleshie Addy’s lineage), which dates back to the early to mid-nineteenth century.
Lineage
Nii Ngleshie Addy I (c. 1770–1840) was the first son of Nii Tetteh Tsuru I, founder and ruler of the Otuopai clan, whose stool later became the Mankralo of the Gbese Traditional Area. His mother was Naa Atswei of Asere (Lante Djan We).
Siblings of Nii Ngleshie Addy I
The paternal brothers and sisters of Nii Ngleshie Addy I were:
* Nii Addy Koblah I
* Nii Kpani Tsuru I
* Nii Kpani Koblah I
* Kpani Addy
* Naa Akuyea Addy
* Naa Kordai Addy
Kpani Addy and Naa Kordai Addy died at an early age. As a result, the “brave and steadfast” Naa Akuyea Addy became the only sister who joined Nii Ngleshie Addy I in defending the Ga people in times of war.
Descendants of Nii Ngleshie Addy I
Nii Ngleshie Addy I married as many as thirteen (13) wives from various quarters of Accra and beyond. He had many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
His children included:
* Kwashie Odartey Addy – later Nii Ngleshie Addy II
* Ayitey Kojo Addy
* Walter Addy, Ayikwei Addy, Ayaa Addy, Adama Addy, Amu Addy
* Naa Abia Addy (children – the Moulds)
* Naa Ayeley Addy (children – the Welbecks)
* Osu Lamile Addy (children – the Browns)
* Lamile Agblodo Addy
* Awura Tawiah Addy
* Swalaba Lamile Addy (children – the Whittakers)
* Lamile Agbo Addy (children – Jimmy Wild & Rev. Lartey)
* Densua Addy (children – the Planges & Heward-Mills; Nathan Quao & others)
Acquisition of the Two Royal Stools
Nii Ngleshie Addy I possessed two royal stools. The first was created for him by his father, Nii Tetteh Tsuru I. The second was captured in battle.
It is recounted that Nii Ngleshie Addy I and his father were en route to the Battle of Katamanso in 1826 to confront the Ashanti forces—a battle that resulted in a decisive Ga victory on Monday, 7th August 1826, significantly altering the course of regional history.
While at the battlefront, news reached them through travelling Ga women that enemy forces had advanced to Berekusu (Gbele) and were moving towards Accra. In response, the youth organised themselves and sent word for Nii Ngleshie Addy I to return and reinforce the defence.
Nii Ngleshie Addy I, joined by his close ally—the son of the King of Labadi—engaged the enemy, who had taken a strategic position on a hill and were inflicting heavy casualties by rolling stones down on advancing Ga forces.
Demonstrating exceptional military skill, Nii Ngleshie Addy I outmanoeuvred the enemy and attacked from behind. He confronted and killed the Bantama-hene (a chief from Kumasi), beheading him and causing the remaining forces to surrender.
Following this victory, Nii Ngleshie Addy I and his warriors seized the Bantama-hene’s stool and other significant items, including a brass vase believed to aid escape in danger and a golden horn said to sound upon the death of a royal.
Aftermath and Legacy
Among those captured was the Bantama-hene’s horn blower, the grandfather of Nii Dodoo Donkor, later Afrimi Kpono Mantse of the Otublohum quarter of Accra. His descendants continued in that role, with Nii Dodoo Donkor serving Nii Ngleshie Addy III before later being enstooled as a chief on his maternal side.