The North Ntrubo Traditional Area indigenously known as Deloo Traditional Area (DTA) is located in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, Ghana.
North Ntrubo Traditional Area – Cultural and Geographic Profile
Location and Composition
The North Ntrubo Traditional Area (NNTA), also known locally as Deloo Traditional Area, is situated in the southern part of the Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti Region of Ghana. It comprises several vibrant communities, including:
• Bontibor – the seat of the Paramountcy, Kronti Division and administrative centre of NNTA, and historically, the traditional, cultural and customary centre of all Deloo people. Kpebu, the revered deity of the Deloo or Ntrubo ethnicity is located at Bontibor. Kpebu is said to be the protector of the ethnic group against all spiritual and physical attacks on the Deloo tribe. The Sai (Priest) also comes from Bontibor.
• Pusupu – the Nifa Division and a key settlement known for its agricultural contributions and community resilience.
• Akyem – the Benkum Division and a growing town with strong traditional roots and emerging youth leadership.
• Salifukrom (Salifudɛɛ) – the Kyidom Division and a suburb of Bontibor is a developing town with great traditional leadership.
• Ahundwo – the Ankobea Division and a thriving town known for its agricultural contribution.
• Obanda – Sanaa Division and a vital town with great traditional leadership and agricultural development.
• Bakamba – the Guantua Division and a strong farming town with great ancestry.
Other communities in the area include Okolodɛɛ, Bontibor-Junction, Ketetu, Namaraka, Kefladinaa (Gyogbega), Kontame, Asumensa, Wulubun, Laboano, Kefluboo, Kpena, etc., all contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the Deloo people.
Ethnicity and Language
The Deloo ethnicity is referred to by non-Deloo people as Ntrubo, contrary to how the indigenes call themselves. Indeed, the ethnic group is called Deloo (Delo) and the language is also called Deloo/Delo.
Traditional Leadership
The North Ntrubo or Deloo area is a Paramoutcy led by the Omanhene, currently Degbengyoo (Nana) Obirikitibi Amnadu Okordie, who presides over the North Ntrubo Traditional Council. The council plays a vital role in:
• Conflict resolution
• Land administration
• Cultural preservation
• Community development
The traditional leadership is deeply respected, works effectively and efficiently in coordination and collaboration with state and nonstate actors and neighbouring kingdoms to promote peace, security and progress within Deloo and the Municipality.
Economy and Livelihood
The economy of the NNTA or Deloo area is largely agrarian, with most residents engaged in:
• Farming (cocoa, palm trees, cassava, yam, maize, cocoyam, plantain, rice, etc.)
• Livestock rearing
• Trading in local markets
Bontibor and Pusupu host periodic markets that serve as economic hubs for the surrounding villages and settlements kingdom.
Culture and Festivals
The Kedeesa Festival, celebrated annually in November, is the most prominent cultural event in the area. It brings together chiefs, elders, youth and visitors to:
• Honor ancestors
• Cleanse/purify Deloo land/people
• Renew our allegiance to the Omanhene
• Demonstrate our commitment to keep Deloo Culture and tradition alive
• Showcase traditional music and dance
• Promote unity and development
• Discuss community challenges and implement workable solutions.
The festival is hosted at Bontibor, attracting dignitaries including paramount chiefs, political leadership, clergy, etc. from across the region.
Development and Challenges.
While the area is rich in culture, tradition and natural resources, it faces challenges such as:
• Limited infrastructure (roads, schools, clinics)
• Youth unemployment
• Occasional chieftaincy tensions
However, under the dynamic leadership of the Omanhene, Degbengyoo (Nana) Obirikitibi Amnadu Okordie, the kingdom is actively working toward “getting better by change, not by chance,” embracing education, health, agriculture, peacebuilding, and leadership training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the North Ntrubo (Deloo) Traditional Area represents a vibrant cultural, traditional, political, and social kingdom within the Nkwanta South Municipality of Ghana’s Oti Region. Steeped in culture and tradition, the Deloo people maintain their distinct ethnicity and identity through Deloo language, festivals, and long‐standing chieftaincy structures. Geographically the area occupies a significant portion of Nkwanta South and constitutes an important part of its ethnolinguistic mosaic. Economically and infrastructurally, the area shares both the challenges and opportunities of largely rural communities; including limited road access, under‐resourced schools, health facilities, and development gaps. Nonetheless, Deloo Traditional Area demonstrates strong local agency and community cohesion in advancing developmental causes. In short, the Deloo Traditional Area is both a guardian of rich heritage and a key stakeholder in broader Nkwanta South Municipal as well as Oti Regional development
By Degbengyoo Obirikitibi Amnadu Okordie
