1) The author's father had three uncles (called the "Chief Brothers") who grew wealthy and powerful through their association with Ghana's first president. 2) After the president was overthrown, the Chief Brothers engaged in large-scale farming and businesses. They used their wealth and influence to intimidate the local chief and expand their land holdings. 3) A long and bitter legal battle ensued between factions of the Chief Brothers' extended family over who would become the new chief after the previous one passed away. This litigation lasted for over 15 years and contributed to the deaths of the Chief Brothers.