Ga Mantse honours late Wulomei singer Naa Amanua at Sacred Crown Awards

The late Ghanaian singer and songwriter Mary Naa Amanua Dadoo, popularly known as Naa Amanua, has been named a posthumous legacy honouree at the Sacred Crown Awards, an initiative celebrating icons of African heritage, spirituality and wellness.

Naa Amanua was celebrated for her contribution to Ga traditional music and her pioneering role as a female lead singer of the renowned Wulomei musical group, which helped bring Ga music to audiences in Ghana and beyond.

Born in Accra in 1949, she developed an interest in music at an early age, singing in the choir at St. George’s Garrison Anglican Church in Burma Camp. She later served as choir director at Abokobi Presbyterian Mixed-Middle School in the late 1960s.

Her musical journey took a significant turn in 1973 when she joined Wulomei, where her distinctive voice helped popularise songs including Meridian and Menye Menye.

The group toured Ghana in 1974, during the reign of General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, and later performed internationally, including in the United States and the United Kingdom, introducing Ga traditional music to wider audiences.

Throughout her career, Naa Amanua played an important role in preserving and promoting Ga cultural heritage through music. Her influence also extended to women in the music industry, inspiring generations to embrace their talents and celebrate their cultural roots.

Her recognition at the Sacred Crown Awards serves as a tribute to a career that helped preserve an important part of Ghana’s musical and cultural identity.

Although she is no longer alive, her music and legacy remain part of the cultural heritage of the Ga people and Ghana as a whole.