The Permanent Mission of Ghana to the International Maritime Organization was pleased to participate in the reception held at IMO Headquarters in celebration of World Maritime Day 2026. Pictured with me are the Secretary-General of the IMO, @IMOSecGen and Mrs. Azara Prempeh, Director of Administration at the IMO.

According to the oral traditions of the La people, their ancestors migrated from Bonne in south-eastern Nigeria to their present settlement. Like the other Ga-Dangme groups, they undertook this migration with their ancestral deity, La Kpa, whose spiritual significance remains deeply rooted in the history and identity of La. The traditional appellation “La Dade Kotopon” carries an important cultural meaning. Depicted in this photograph is the late La Kpa Wulomo, Nuumo Yemo Obroni VII, wearing the sacred headgear known as the Koto. Traditionally, the Koto is noted for its considerable weight and is likened to metal—“dade” in the Ga language. The expression “pon” is understood in this tradition as deriving from the Akan honorific “Obrempong,” denoting greatness, eminence and exalted status. In this context, it serves to emphasise the revered stature and spiritual greatness associated with La Kpa. Thus, “Dade Kotopon” is more than an appellation. It reflects the history, sacred traditions and cultural identity of the people of La, and the enduring reverence accorded to La Kpa across generations.