NGOKETUNJIA DIVISION, N. W. Region of Cameroon

by T. P Monji
(Buea-Cameroon)

Ngoketunjia, a division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, derives its name from a majestic mountain located in Bamunka, Ndop. This division is known for its breathtaking beauty and is home to the semi-Bantu and Fulani communities. The people of Ngoketunjia hold their traditions and culture close to their hearts.

Consisting of 13 villages, what sets these villages apart is that their names all begin with the letters "Ba". This naming convention originated during the German colonial era, where "Ba" represented "people of". For instance, Bamunka refers to the people of Munka. Each village in Ngoketunjia has its own distinct language, traditions, and traditional authority, known as the Fon.

The villages that make up Ngoketunjia division are as follows: Baba I, Babungo, Balinganshin, Babessi, Bamunkumbit, Baligashu, Bamunka, Bamali, Bangolan, Balikumbat, Bamessing, Bambalang, and Bafanji. Surrounded by hills and an elevated Ngoketunjia plain, the division enjoys a more moderate climate compared to other regions in Cameroon.

Ngoketunjia division is further divided into three subdivisions: Ndop central, Babessi, and Balikumbat. Each subdivision has its own municipal council and is represented by government authorities. The administrative headquarters is located in the village of Bamunka.

The administrative hierarchy of Ngoketunjia division includes the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) responsible for overseeing the entire division, the Divisional Officer (DO) responsible for the sub-division, and the Mayor responsible for the villages within the division. Additionally, there are divisional and sub-divisional delegates who represent various ministries in the division.

The government authorities work in conjunction with the traditional authorities, which consist of secret societies led by the Fon. The traditional administration is structured into the traditional council, Quarter heads, and Sub-quarter heads. The Fon serves as the custodian of the culture and land in the village.

To reach Ngoketunjia division, one can travel by car, bus, or taxi from Nkwen Bamenda, passing through Bambili and the famous Sabga hill to reach the divisional headquarters. From there, transportation options such as cars or motorbikes are available to access the various villages. The road also connects some villages to other towns in different divisions, such as Kumbo and Jakiri.

Ngoketunjia division offers numerous tourist attractions, including the Babungo palace and museum, where visitors can view traditional artifacts and learn about the fondom's history and culture. The Presspot Handicraft Centre in Bamessing showcases artisans working with clay, demonstrating the entire process from extraction to molding and baking in traditional ovens.

The division is also known for its rice fields in Bamunka, where traditional farming methods are employed. Moreover, the people of Ngoketunjia utilize the palm tree not only for palm wine and raffia wine but also for oil, soap, and household utensils.

At the divisional headquarters, one can find Ngoketunjia mountain, whose peak offers a panoramic view of the entire division and beyond. In the local dialect, Ngoketunjia translates to the "shape of the roof of a house". Another attraction is the Bambalang Dam, where visitors can enjoy boat rides in the serene environment. This dam serves as a reservoir for the Edea hydroelectric dam in the Littoral region of Cameroon.

Local artisans in Bamessing specialize in woodwork and weaving using traditional methods, while in Babungo, woodwork and ironworks are also carried out by the local population using traditional techniques.

Each year, the villages of Ngoketunjia division organize cultural festivals, providing a unique opportunity to witness traditional dances, masquerades, gun firing, snake dancers, and fire dancers. These festivals are open to the public free of charge.

The division's villages have central markets where a wide range of goods, including food, clothing, and household items, are available. Market days occur every eighth day and hold great social significance for the villagers.

The daily diet of the people in Ngoketunjia division includes maize, cocoyams, cassava, plantains, rice, and groundnuts. These staple foods are usually accompanied by vegetables, meat, or fish.

While there are a few hotels in the division, mostly located in the headquarters, such as Green Valley Resort, Atlanta Hotel, Kings Heritage Hotel, and Babungo Palace, the local restaurants primarily offer homemade food brought in containers for sale to the local population. Some hotels may offer Western cuisine, while palm wine or raffia wine, collected from palm or raffia trees, is a traditional drink enjoyed by the residents