When people think of the Ga and Dangme people, they often think of the ethnic groups found in Ghana. But how many of us think about Togo, Benin, or Nigeria?
Throughout history, GaDangme people have migrated and settled in different parts of West Africa, forming GaDangme communities and nations outside of modern-day Ghana. One such community is the Guin-Mina people of Togo.
Hundreds of years ago, Ga people from areas such as La and Gamashie, as well as Dangme people from Ningo, Gbugbla, and Ada, migrated to Togo at different periods and established settlements there. Among these migrants were Ga royals, priests, and traditional leaders. There is even a story that one of the original stools belonging to a Ga prince is still preserved in Togo today.
The Ga and Dangme migrants were later joined by Fante settlers, and together they became known as the Guin-Mina people. The name Guin is believed to be a corruption of the word Ga.
Today, the Guin-Mina people are found mainly in Aneho and Glidji, as well as surrounding areas such as Agbodrafo.
Like many GaDangme societies, the Guin-Mina people are organised into different clans, many of which continue to carry names connected to their GaDangme ancestry.
| Clan Name | Names of the Clan | Location |
| La | Tete, Adje, Adjete, Adjele, Adjoko, Adjetcho, Kombete, Kombe, Kpoti, edoe, Sewa, Ako, Labite, Edoe, Doete, Tele,Teko,Kaissan, Kaissan, Labile, Labioko, Tchotcho, Kombele, Kombioko, Akole, Doele, Doko, Anyele , Anyoko, | From La in Ghana, to Aneho and then many left to go to Agbodrafo. They are still there but a few left to Dagué |
| Nugo | Apote, Matitie, Apole, Apoko, Krobu, Abobo | From Ningo live in Glidji-Kpodji |
| La-Sakuma | Have the same name as La of Agbodrafo plus Lale, Lako | Said that their ancestor is Kombiete, a Lakpan priest from La. After leaving La in Ghana went to Agbodrafo and travelled directly to Glidji Kpodji. |
| Gbugblan | Abbey, Anate, Amate, Mathey, Mable, Moko, Djagbld, Achoko, Yoele | Originally from Prampram |
| Ga | Sakele, Sako, Saatchi,Tcheku, | Ga from Osu live in Anehor |
| Adangbe | Tete, Ete,Date, Davi, Dakitse, Dede Koko, MableDachi, Dale et Dako | Came from Ada live in Aneho, Adangbe [inshore] and Agotime [inshore] |
| Djossi | Djani, Nikue, Afutu, Amoni, Koete, Lodju, Ade, Kotoko, Debi, Tchotcho. | Live in Agbodrafo and Aneho |
| Tugban | Foli, Folikue, Kanyi, Ekue, Assiongbon, Teko, Adama, Ayite, Ama, Ayayi, Tete, Tevi. Dede, Kokoe, Ayite, Ayoko, Kayi, Adaku, Chocho, Povi, Amele, Amoko | Ga from the royal house of Okai Kwei Live in Glidji, Aneho, Zebe, Aklaku, Zowla and other places |
| Degbenou | Kpakpo, Adote, Abossey, Adovi, Aduayi, Adukoe, Adole, Adoko | From Sempe live in Aneho |
Cultural and Spiritual Connections
Many GaDangme traditions have been preserved among the Guin-Mina people, and this is especially visible during religious and cultural ceremonies. The flyer to the left is of their yearly festival signed off by their religious leaders.
The worship of traditional deities such as Lakpa (spelt Lakpan in Guingbe), Korle, and Sakumo continues among the Guin-Mina. The songs, dances, clothing, and rituals performed during these ceremonies share many similarities with Ga and Dangme religious practices in Ghana.
At the bottom of this article is a video from Togo Visions showing various cultural and religious ceremonies. Those familiar with Ga and Dangme traditions will recognise many familiar elements that demonstrate the strong cultural connection between these communities.
Language Connections
The connection between the GaDangme people of Ghana and the Guin-Mina people of Togo can also be seen through language.
Although the primary language spoken by the Guin-Mina today is Ewe, the language contains many words of Ga and Dangme origin. Examples include:
- Amada – plantain
- Blafogbe – pineapple
- Aloo – or
- Tuutuutu – exactly
These linguistic links provide evidence of the long-standing relationship between the GaDangme and Guin-Mina peoples and show how language preserves history and identity.
A People Connected Across Borders
For hundreds of years, the relationship between the GaDangme people of Ghana and the Guin-Mina people of Togo has remained strong. The two communities continue to visit each other’s festivals, share cultural knowledge, and maintain ancestral connections.
It is common to see Guin-Mina elders attending GaDangme festivals in Ghana, just as GaDangme elders regularly travel to Togo to participate in festivals and cultural events.
The picture to the left is a photograph of Guin-Mina elders who travelled to Nungua, Ghana, to attend a festival and strengthen these connections.
We are indeed one people, connected through history, culture, language, and ancestry, separated only by borders imposed during the colonial period.
I would like to end by giving special thanks to Tete Kitissou and the elders of Guin-Mina for their support, knowledge, and assistance in researching Guin-Mina culture.