Tema gets first Sariki Zongo as Alhaji Faisal Abdullah Masud sworn in to lead unified Zongo communities

Tema's fragmented Zongo communities have entered a new phase of organised traditional leadership with the installation of Alhaji Faisal Abdullah Masud as the city's first Sariki Zongo I. The historic coronation ceremony brought together diverse ethnic groups, Islamic leaders, Christian representatives and government officials in recognition of a unified leadership structure that has been absent from Tema's history.

The Zongo settlements scattered across Tema Manhean, Tema New Town, Community One, Bankuman and Ashaiman have long housed migrants and residents from across West Africa and beyond, creating multicultural enclaves that lacked formal traditional representation at the city level. With communities comprising Dagomba, Hausa, Yoruba, Frafra, Kusaasi, Mamprusi and Kotokoli groups, the absence of a single traditional authority meant issues affecting these populations often went uncoordinated.

Who is the new Sariki Zongo?

Alhaji Faisal Abdullah Masud, popularly known in Tema as Alhaji Faisal Saltan or Alhaji Netro, brings substantial business and community experience to the role. He serves as President of True Democracy F.C., a Division One League club, and owns the 90's Lounge hospitality venue. His business portfolio includes roles as CEO of Paramount Empire Trading and Investment Company Limited and Sultan Incorporation, alongside ventures in agriculture and hotel management.

This blend of entrepreneurial experience and youth engagement forms the foundation of his vision for Tema's Zongo communities, particularly in creating employment and economic opportunities for young people.

A six-point development roadmap

Alhaji Faisal has unveiled an ambitious development agenda addressing key challenges facing Tema's Zongo residents:

• Unity and peace-building: Bridging ethnic divisions, resolving chieftaincy disputes and strengthening ties with the Tema Traditional Council and government bodies.
• Youth empowerment and sports: Leveraging his football background to create pathways for young people in sports, hospitality, trading and agriculture.
• Education and skills training: Supporting Islamic and secular schooling, offering scholarships, reducing school dropout rates and connecting youth to technical and vocational programmes.
• Economic empowerment: Using his business expertise to mentor entrepreneurs, support market traders and women, and improve financial access within Zongo populations.
• Health, sanitation and welfare: Organising community clean-ups, health screenings and targeted support during Islamic festivals for vulnerable residents.
• Security and drug prevention: Partnering with Imams, elders, youth leaders and the Ghana Police Service to combat drug abuse and crime affecting young people.

Why this matters for Ghana

Tema's Zongo communities represent one of Ghana's most important yet often underserved urban populations. As the country's leading industrial and port city, Tema depends on workers and residents from across Ghana and the wider region. The creation of formal traditional leadership within these settlements addresses a long-standing governance gap that has made it difficult for Zongo residents to advocate collectively for services, security and development.

The installation of a Sariki Zongo also reinforces Ghana's commitment to inclusive governance structures that recognise the role of traditional authority alongside modern institutions. The participation of both Muslim and Christian leaders, alongside ethnic representatives, demonstrates how Tema's diverse communities can work together under a single framework.

For Ghana's broader urban development strategy, this model could offer lessons for other cities managing large migrant and Zongo populations. As Ghana urbanises and industrial cities like Tema grow, ensuring that all communities—especially marginalised groups—have a voice in local governance becomes increasingly critical. The success or challenges of Alhaji Faisal's tenure may influence how other Ghanaian municipalities approach traditional authority and community representation.

The coronation signals an opportunity to address longstanding issues in Tema's Zongo areas, from youth unemployment and drug abuse to educational access and sanitation. However, the effectiveness of this new traditional structure will depend on adequate support from Tema Metropolitan Assembly, collaboration with government agencies, and the ability of the new Sariki Zongo to maintain unity among diverse ethnic and religious groups with competing interests.