I am King of the Gas

A call centre worker is at the centre of a bitter power struggle to take over the throne of the Ga "kingdom".

Glasgow-born Rupert Tackie, 35, reckons HE should be crowned king of the Ga people in Ghana - and plans to launch a daring leadership bid.

King Tackie Tawiah III is the current ruler - or Ga Mantse - of the two million-strong people.

But some leaders have called for his immediate abdication after branding his selection as "flawed".

And last night Rupert said: "I am resurrecting my family's stake in this tribe.

"I suppose you could say I am going to be a bit like William Wallace was to the Scots."

Rupert revealed he only learned he is a contender for the royal seat, following a trip to Ghana with dad William in December.

He claims his uncle Samuel Tackie - who was next in line to the throne - was assassinated with POISON in 2000 before he had the chance to reign.

Because Rupert's great-great grandad Jonathan Tackie was a Ga Mantse, tribal elders offered the call handler's dad William the seat after Samuel's death.

But he didn't want it, so the throne went to Tawiah - now ruler of the Ga, whose famous sons include France and Chelsea soccer legend Marcel Desailly and England rugby star Paul Sackey.

Rupert said: "A lot of people in the Ga tribe do not believe King Tawiah is the real Ga Mantse.

"When I go over there, there will certainly be a fight."

He added: "I'll have people around me who would give their lives to save mine."

Last August, there were calls in Ghana for King Tawiah III - aka Joe Blankson - to go.

Bust-up ... ruling King Tawiah III

Nii Amu Otia Penshiaku II - a tribal leader within the Ga - said: "The majority of people oppose him."

But a spokesman for King Tawiah vowed will stay. Charles Safo said: "Rupert Tackie's claim is not true." Last night, however, Rupert insisted he could still take over.

He was raised in Glasgow before moving to the sleepy seaside town Dunoon in 1988 with retired nurse William, 65, late mum Eunice and brother Joshua, 31.

Rupert had no idea the crown could pass to him until elders took him to their royal village near the bustling capital Accra two months ago.

He has already chosen a bride - Irene Kokoroko, 25 - from 30 hopefuls. And he hopes to have a coronation, followed by a tribal wedding, then a civil ceremony where he plans to wear a KILT.

But he revealed he's already at the mercy of wind-ups by his pals at Dunoon's HEROtsc call centre.

Manchester United fan Rupert said: "If someone gets me a coffee they say 'there you go, your royal highness'. It's a good laugh."

Last night Ga People spokesman Adjan Tackie - tragic Samuel's son - said: "Rupert will become our new chief."

A spokesman for the Ghana High Commission said: "I have not heard this story before."