By In the annals of African history, few figures captivate the imagination like Togbe Tsali, a revered Ewe leader and traditional priest whose life is steeped in mysticism and heroism. Born around 1695, Tsali is celebrated for his pivotal role in the Ewe people’s escape from the oppressive rule of King Agorkoli in Notsie, a town in modern-day Togo, to their current homelands in Ghana and Togo.
His supernatural feats and leadership have made him a cultural icon among the Ewe, particularly the Anlo, who believe he never died but vanished into eternity, his spirit still invoked today. This article explores Tsali’s life, his contributions to the Ewe migration, and the legacy that continues to shape Ewe identity.
The Context: Notsie and the Ewe Struggle
To understand Togbe Tsali’s significance, we must first examine the historical context of Notsie in the late 17th century. The Ewe people, then under the rule of Togbe Agorkoli, faced harsh governance.
Agorkoli, described in oral traditions as a tyrannical leader, imposed forced labor and oppressive policies, including demands for human sacrifices and excessive tributes. His rule, centered in Notsie (southeast Togo), pushed the Ewe to the brink, sparking a desire for freedom.
The Ewe’s oral history recounts their determination to escape. However, fleeing Notsie was no small feat—Agorkoli’s fortified city and vigilant army made rebellion perilous. Enter Togbe Tsali, a renowned hunter and priest endowed with mystical powers, whose leadership would prove instrumental in this exodus.
Togbe Tsali: The Man and the Myth
Tsali, born to Togbui Akplormada, was one of twin brothers, alongside Tsala (later known as Okomfo Anokye in some accounts), both gifted with extraordinary spiritual abilities. Oral traditions describe Tsali as a charismatic figure, capable of miracles such as healing the sick, controlling weather, and multiplying food. His twin, Tsala, reportedly left Notsie early, later becoming a key figure in the Ashanti Kingdom, but Tsali remained to serve his people.
Tsali’s most celebrated role was orchestrating the Ewe’s escape from Notsie. According to historian Togbi Kumassah, a spokesperson for the Anlo Awoemefia, Tsali transformed into a flying spirit to survey Eweland, confirming it as a viable destination. He then devised a cunning plan: the Ewe poured water on the ground to dampen dust, masking their footsteps, and moved backward to confuse pursuers.
Some accounts claim Tsali shapeshifted into a mouse to alter their footprints, further baffling Agorkoli’s soldiers. This strategic escape, executed at night, allowed the Ewe to evade capture and settle in what is now Ghana’s Volta Region and parts of Togo.
Miracles and Leadership in Eweland
After the migration, Tsali continued to serve the Ewe, particularly in the Tongu area, where he took up farming and hunting. His supernatural abilities were a lifeline during times of scarcity.
When hunger sparked unrest, Tsali reportedly planted maize that grew and was harvested within a day, feeding the community. He also caused two granites to appear for grinding maize into powder, a feat that quelled rebellion against Ewe leaders.
However, Tsali’s powers sometimes stirred controversy. In one instance, he caused rain to fall solely on his farm, forcing others to buy food from him. This act, perceived as selfish, angered the community. In response, they tied a granite to his back and threw him into the Volta River.
Astonishingly, the next day, Tsali was seen riding a crocodile, holding the granite aloft, proclaiming, “No person born of a woman can kill me.” The granite, now considered “mobile,” is said to appear at different locations near Tseva, a testament to his enduring presence. A shrine at Konu in Anyako marks where he dropped the rock.
Another attempt to kill Tsali—burying him alive—failed when he reappeared three days later, walking about his compound. These events cemented his reputation as invincible, leading the Ewe to revere him as a divine figure. Tsali later settled in Tsiame, where he was enstooled as a chief.
The Vanishing: A Legacy Beyond Death
Unlike mortals, Tsali did not die a natural death. According to Togbi Kumassah, he “vanished into eternity” at Vui, where he planted agor beans, crossed a sandbar, and rode a crocodile into the spiritual realm.
Before departing, he instructed the Ewe to invoke his spirit at two shrines he established, ensuring his guidance would persist. Today, these shrines remain active, and Ewe rituals often call upon Tsali’s spirit, reinforcing the belief that he lives among them.
Tsali’s legacy extends beyond spirituality. In 1931, his descendant, Togbe Sonu-Tsali de 1st, founded Abutia Kpota, a community in Ghana’s Volta Region now home to 3,000 people.
Governed by Togbe Tsali IV, a modern chief and philanthropist, Abutia Kpota thrives as a potential tourism hub, with its history tied to Tsali’s lineage. The community’s four main clans—Fiepeme, Godzato, Zongo, and Dziboeto—honor Tsali’s role in their heritage.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Togbe Tsali’s story is more than folklore; it embodies the Ewe’s resilience and ingenuity. His leadership during the Notsie escape highlights the power of collective action against oppression, a narrative that resonates in modern struggles for freedom.
His miracles, while mystical, reflect the Ewe’s deep connection to spirituality and nature, values that persist in their festivals like Hogbetsotso, which commemorates the migration.
The belief in Tsali’s immortality underscores the Ewe’s reverence for ancestors. As Dr. Kofi Awoonor, a Ghanaian scholar, noted, “Tsali represents the eternal spirit of Ewe resistance and survival.” His shrines, relics, and the continued enstoolment of chiefs in his name affirm his living presence, bridging past and present.
Conclusion: A Timeless Hero
Togbe Tsali’s life—marked by courage, mysticism, and sacrifice—remains a cornerstone of Ewe identity. From leading the escape from Notsie to feeding his people and defying death, Tsali’s story is a testament to human resilience and spiritual power.
As the Ewe invoke his spirit in 2025, they honor not just a man but a symbol of liberation and eternity. For communities like Abutia Kpota and beyond, Tsali’s legacy is a call to preserve history and embrace cultural pride.
