Mamaga Amega Kofi Bra
Mamaga Amega Kofi Brã I was born Mary Pearl Nyuiemedi Abra Bansa on October 7, 1941, at Peki-Blengo, to Mr. Bernard K. Bansa and Mrs. Nora Jane Bansa, both of blessed memory. She is the first of five siblings.
Mary began her basic education at the E.P. Primary School, Peki-Blengo, and continued her early studies across several towns in the Volta Region as her father’s teaching career required. In 1955, Mary entered Achimota School, completing her secondary education in 1959.
Mary Bansah later travelled to the United Kingdom, where she trained at St. Alfage’s Hospital, London, qualifying as a State Registered Nurse (SRN). She further specialized in midwifery at the Gables Maternity Hospital, earning her certification as a State Certified Midwife (SCM) in 1965.
After acquiring valuable training and experience abroad, Mary returned home to Ghana and worked in notable medical institutions including Parkinson’s Howard Hospital, Bethel Hospital, and the VALCO Hospital in Tema.
Enstoolment and Traditional Leadership
In 1981, Mary was nominated by her clan, Amega Kofi Clan of Blengo - Adiviey, for the office of Paramount Queenmother of the Peki Traditional Area. She was enstooled on July 4, 1981, as Mama Amega Kofi Brã I, succeeding Mama Afua Nyangamangu, known privately as Madam Caroline Tutu.
Leadership and National Service
Mamaga’s leadership extends well beyond Peki. She has contributed significantly to traditional governance, women’s leadership, national policy development, and community welfare.
Volta Regional Queenmothers’ Association
She played a central role in establishing the Volta Regional Queenmothers’ Association and served as its first President from 1982 to 2012. She represented Queenmothers on national platforms and championed issues affecting women and children.
National Population Council (1997)
Mamaga Amega Kofi Bra was appointed Vice-Chairperson of the National Population Council, contributing to national discussions on population growth, adolescent health, fertility regulation, marriage, childbearing, and responsible parenthood.
Attorney General’s Board – Legal Pluralism Forum (2002–2005)
From 2002 to 2005, Mamaga served as the Traditional Leaders’ Representative on the Attorney General’s Board on Legal Pluralism, working on reforms in family law and improving access to justice.
Presidential Advisory Commission for Chieftaincy Affairs (2003–2008)
Mamaga served as an Executive Member of the Presidential Advisory Commission for Chieftaincy Affairs, contributing to national-level engagements on chieftaincy and traditional governance.
National Council of Women Traditional Leaders (2007)
In 2007, advocacy by traditional women leaders led to the formation of the National Council of Women Traditional Leaders. Mamaga was elected its National President. Under her leadership, over 300 Queenmothers across Ghana were registered and trained in collaboration with Professor Irene Odotei of the Institute of Research, Advocacy and Training (INSRAT).
The program strengthened Queenmothers’ capacity in women’s rights, child protection, universal education advocacy, health and hygiene promotion, and community development.
Education, Training, and Continuous Development
Mamaga has participated in numerous capacity-building workshops in Ghana and the United States. She has undertaken studies in Gender, Leadership and Democracy, Natural Resources Governance, and Local Governance and Socio-economic Development at the Center for Development Studies, University of Cape Coast. She has also trained in Conflict Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and participated in various peace-building programs, strengthening her effectiveness as a traditional leader and national advocate.
Family and Personal Life
Mamaga was married to Mr. Justice Asempa, who passed away in 2014. She is the mother of two adult sons: Larry Senyo Asempa, residing in Tema
Delali Asempa, residing in Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys traveling and remains deeply connected to her roots in Peki.
For more than four decades, Mamaga Amega Kofi Brã I has exemplified leadership grounded in service, dignity, and compassion. Her work in healthcare, traditional governance, national advocacy, and women’s empowerment has left an enduring impact on the Peki Traditional Area, the Volta Region, and Ghana at large. Her life reflects deep commitment to the well-being and progress of her people. Her legacy — strength, wisdom, and grace.
A detailed feature about Her Majesty Mamaga Amega Kofi Brã I is also available on our community blog at: Celebrating Mamaga Amega Kofi Brã I – Her Majesty the Paramount Queen of Peki
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