By Abdul Jelil Maldini
"Some leaders are remembered for the offices they held. Others are remembered for the lives they transformed. Hon. Naa Attah Nantogmah belongs to both."
Introduction
The history of Nanuŋ is illuminated by remarkable individuals whose leadership extended far beyond their own generation. Among them stands Hon. Naa Attah Nantogmah—a statesman, parliamentarian, Deputy Defence Minister, development advocate, agricultural pioneer, and traditional ruler whose influence helped shape modern Nanuŋ.
From the halls of Parliament and the State House to the traditional skin of Dokpam, his life was marked by service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.
Early Life and Education
Attah Nantogmah, known by the appellations Kpaa Naa, Zobahasi Naa, Suɣulo Mali Nyɔri, and Suli N-ka Shɛli, was born in 1925 in Bimbilla to the late Dokpam Naa Attah and Napaha Mayama.
Renowned from an early age for his humility, honesty, and deep passion for animal life, he began his formal education at Yendi Primary School in 1937 before continuing to Tamale Middle School.
His outstanding academic performance earned him a scholarship to Presbyterian Middle School, Kpando, where he graduated in 1946.
Determined to broaden his knowledge, he attended Forikrom Academy in Kumasi in 1947 before pursuing commercial studies at the Central College of Commerce in Agona Swedru, graduating with a First-Class Diploma in Bookkeeping. He later travelled to London, where he obtained an Accountancy Certificate from the Normal Club College.
Upon returning to Ghana, he worked briefly with the Animal Health Department at Pong-Tamale and the Ghana Rural Water Supply Department before becoming Clerk and Secretary of the Nanumba District Council in 1951.
A Distinguished Political Career
Hon. Attah Nantogmah entered national politics in 1954, representing the Nanuŋ–Dagboŋ Constituency in Parliament.
Following the 1956 General Election, he was re-elected as Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's Convention People's Party (CPP).
His dedication and competence earned him appointment as Deputy Defence Minister, serving from November 1960 until 22 February 1966.
This achievement made him the first Northerner and the first Nanumba to hold that prestigious national office.
Transforming Nanuŋ Through Infrastructure
During the 1950s, Nanuŋ faced severe challenges, particularly inadequate water supply and limited social infrastructure.
Recognising the urgency of the water crisis, Hon. Attah Nantogmah collaborated with the British Commissioner for the Yendi District, Mr. Short, and government engineers to identify suitable locations for dam construction.
Between 1954 and 1960, more than 15 dams were constructed across the Nanuŋ area, including:
- Wampu
- Dokpam
- Chamba
- Nassamba
- Nakpayili
- Zabzugu
- Makayili
- Lepusi
- Bapkaba
Many of these dams continue to provide water for communities across today's Nanumba North, Nanumba South, and Zabzugu districts.
Champion of Education
Hon. Attah Nantogmah believed education was the foundation of development.
Working closely with Bimbilla Naa and education pioneer Jilo Naa Zakari Ziblim, he helped expand the Nanung Education Programme (NEP).
The initiative facilitated the establishment of middle schools in:
- Bimbilla
- Wulensi
- Nakpayili
- Joo
- Nakpa
These schools significantly increased access to quality education for children throughout Nanuŋ.
Investing in Future Generations
His vision extended beyond schools.
Hon. Attah Nantogmah established scholarship schemes that enabled young people from Nanuŋ and other parts of Ghana to pursue higher education locally and abroad.
He also supported the recruitment of many young Nanumbas into the military, police, and other public institutions.
Among those he mentored was Major Dassana, remembered as the first military major from Nanuŋ.
Agricultural Leadership
Agriculture remained central to his development agenda.
He established Workers' Brigade Camps where trained farmers managed large-scale cotton, maize, and livestock projects.
Initially located between Dananyoŋni and Yɛlim Baani, the farms were later relocated to Kabliya along the Eastern Corridor Road.
Beyond public initiatives, Hon. Attah Nantogmah became an accomplished farmer himself.
His excellence in livestock production earned him the Best Cattle Farmer Award during the 3rd and 4th National Farmers' Day celebrations held in Yendi (1987) and Nyankpala (1988).
Traditional Leadership
As a prince of the Nanumba royal family, Hon. Attah Nantogmah later entered traditional leadership.
His journey through the chieftaincy institution included:
- Chief of Tua (1983)
- Chief of Chamba (1990)
- Dokpam Naa (1997)
For nine years, he ruled the Dokpam Traditional Area with wisdom, fairness, and dignity until his passing in November 2006.
A Peacemaker
Throughout his reign, Naa Attah worked tirelessly to strengthen peaceful relations between the Nanumba and Konkomba communities.
He championed dialogue, lawful conflict resolution, justice, and peaceful coexistence, earning widespread respect across Northern Ghana.
Legacy
The legacy of Hon. Naa Attah Nantogmah extends far beyond politics.
His fingerprints remain visible in the dams that continue to supply water, the schools that educate future generations, the farms that supported livelihoods, and the public servants he helped nurture.
He demonstrated that true leadership is measured not by titles alone but by lasting service to one's people.
His life remains an enduring example of patriotism, visionary leadership, and selfless commitment to the development of Nanuŋ and Ghana.
May Hon. Naa Attah Nantogmah continue to rest in eternal peace. His legacy lives on.
About the Author
Abdul Jelil Maldini is an independent researcher and writer dedicated to documenting the political, educational, and traditional history of Nanuŋ. His work seeks to preserve the stories of influential personalities whose leadership shaped the development of the Nanumba people and Ghana.
Editorial Note
This documentary is based on archival records, published literature, and oral history interviews cited by the author. Where oral accounts are referenced, they reflect the recollections of traditional custodians and interviewees and should be considered alongside available documentary sources.
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