GA OF YORUBA DESCENT (PART 1)

Summary

In this episode of 'Heritage on Air' on 97.3 City FM and City TV, host Appyoco discusses the cosmopolitan nature of the Ghanaian people and their history of welcoming outsiders. The spotlight is on Chief Ortuba Alaji Mohammed Bhuniya, also known as Billy Brima, the Yoruba Chief of To Do and Tuba of the Eurobus in Ghana. The conversation delves into the history of the Eurobus community in To Do, their commercial activities, and the impact of their presence on the region. Chief Bhuniya shares personal anecdotes, reflecting on the deep-rooted connection between Nigerians and Ghanaians, and the evolution of the Eurobus community in Accra.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The program 'Heritage on Air' is hosted by Appyoco on 97.3 City FM and City TV, focusing on the theme of Ghana's cosmopolitan nature and its history of welcoming people from different backgrounds.
• 🌟 The guest, Chief Ortuba Allaji Mohammed Bhuniya, is a prominent figure of Nigerian descent, known as Billy Brima, and holds the title of Tuba of the Euro Bus in Ghana and Yoruba Chief of To Do.
• 🛤️ To Do is historically the center of commercial activities and the first point of entry for people coming into Ghana from outside, especially from Nigeria.
• 🏘️ The Euro Bus community initially settled in Accra, with their first base near the General Post Office, before expanding and moving to other areas such as To Do.
• 🏡 The Euro Bus community had a cattle ranch in what is now known as Opera Square, previously called Cowley, which was the foundation of their commercial activities in Ghana.
• 👨‍🦳 The first Euro Bus chief in Ghana was involved in cattle trade, bringing cattle into Ghana and taking cola nuts back to Nigeria, establishing a strong commercial presence.
• 🏛️ The government acquired the original Euro Bus settlement near the General Post Office in the 1950s to expand the facility, prompting the community to relocate.
• 👶 The name 'Brahmin' evolved from 'Ibrahim' and was adopted by the Euro Bus community to distinguish themselves and their descendants in the area.
• 🏫 The Euro Bus community contributed land for the establishment of a school in Accra Newtown, which later became known as West Africa Secondary School.
• 📚 The script mentions the importance of historical records, such as the National Archives, in preserving and verifying the timeline of the Euro Bus community's presence in Ghana.
• ⏳ The migration and establishment of the Euro Bus community in Ghana predates the development of Accra Newtown, with the first chief passing away in 1915, well before Ghana's independence.

Q & A

What is the theme of the 'Heritage on Air' series for the week?

The theme for the week is about the cosmopolitan nature of the gown people, who have always welcomed strangers into their community and lived in harmony with them.

Who is Appyoco and what is his role in the 'Heritage on Air' series?

Appyoco is the host of the 'Heritage on Air' series on 97.3 City FM and City TV, where he discusses various topics related to the heritage of the gown people.

Why is the host, Appyoco, excited to speak to Chief Ortuba Allaji Mohammed Bhuniya?

Appyoco is excited because Chief Ortuba Allaji Mohammed Bhuniya is a significant figure of Nigerian descent who is a prominent leader in Ghana, specifically as the Tuba of the Eurobus in Ghana and the Yoruba Chief of Tondo.

What is the significance of Tondo in the context of the Eurobus community in Ghana?

Tondo is the center where people coming from outside Ghana, especially from Nigeria, first arrive. It has been a center of commercial activities and is where many Eurobus people can be found.

What was the initial location of the Yoruba chief's palace before it was moved?

The initial location of the Yoruba chief's palace was in the indigenous Accra area, between the General Post Office and Wato Club.

Why was the Yoruba chief's palace moved from its original location?

The palace was moved because the government acquired the land around 1953-54 to expand the General Post Office.

What is the connection between the Eurobus community and the area known as Cowling?

Cowling was where the leader of the Eurobus had a cattle ranch, which is why the place was named after the activity. It was also the first place where the Eurobus community settled before moving to Accra proper.

What is the origin of the name 'Brahmin' as mentioned in the script?

The name 'Brahmin' is derived from 'Ibrahim' and was changed by the old man to identify his descendants and to distinguish them within the local community.

What is the significance of the year 1937 mentioned in the script?

1937 is the year when the Eurobus community acquired Newtown, which later developed and became a significant area where many Eurobus people live.

What can be found in the national archives about the Eurobus community?

The national archives contain records about the Eurobus community, including the death of the old man in 1915 and other historical events related to the community.

What is the role of the school that was established in Accra Newtown?

The school, initially called West Africa Secondary School and later moved to its new site, was given land by the Brahmin community in Accra Newtown for its establishment.