The long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Kwahu took a sharp turn on Saturday when a rival chief, with the Stool name Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, was enstooled under tight security, provided by some of the local people.
The Esono Gyimah Palace, the seat of the Kwahumanhene, which houses Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II was forcefully taken over by a faction in the chieftaincy dispute, sparking fears of potential trouble in the area.
The enstoolment on Saturday appears to have reached a critical point, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between rival factions, and it is feared that both factions are arming their supporters.
The growing tension over the Kwahu chieftaincy can manifest into public protests, violent clashes and the destruction of property in the coming days, considering the adamant positions held by the factions.
The local security forces have occasionally been called in to restore order, though they often find it difficult to mediate such deeply entrenched customary issues.
The police had earlier deployed personnel to the town to maintain order and prevent any potential breach of peace, but later withdrew their men, leaving the community in the hands of armed thugs.
The development has escalated tensions in the traditional capital, Abene, with residents calling for swift intervention by the central government and all other stakeholders within the chieftaincy institution.
Supporters of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the embattled Kwahumanhene, who has reaffirmed his legitimacy, citing his gazetting by the Eastern Region House of Chiefs, hinted that their patience has been stretched beyond limit.
According to them, the accusations and counter-accusations leveled against Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II has been challenged in court, with judgement expected on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. As a result, some people did not understand why a ceremony was held to enstool the new chief.
Kwahu, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, which is known for its mountainous terrain, vibrant culture and agricultural productivity, is losing its respect and prestige, a situation that has a significant cultural, political and social impact.
Background
It would be recalled that the Kwahu Traditional Council in November 2024 allegedly removed Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II from his position as Kwahumanhene, citing reasons of misconduct.
The decision to destool Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II follows allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank’s board, where he faced accusations of extortion from a bank customer, eventually leading to his resignation from the board.
Confirming the destoolment, the Kwahumanhemaa Nana Adwoa Gyamfuah II, stated that Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II’s actions had caused significant reputational damage to the Kwahu Traditional Council.
“We have destooled Eugene Kwasi Boadi Asante (Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II). The Traditional Council frowns on chiefs who do not rule in truth. He has brought reputational damage to Kwahuman. He cannot serve as the Chief of Kwahu again.
“In Akan tradition, if a chief passes on, the queen mother enstools a new chief in consultation with Kingmakers. If a queen mother passed on too, the Chief, together with the Kingmakers enstool a new queen mother. That is an Akan Tradition.”
The Kwahumanhemaa also disclosed that the council was in the process of enstooling a new Kwahumanhene.
In the meantime, the Abetifihene, Nana Asiedu Agyemang III, has taken on the role of acting president of the Kwahu Traditional Council.
But Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II through his counsel Korsah and Ackah at Law on Friday November 29, 2024 filed an interlocutory injunction against the Kwahu Traditional Council and Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang, Abetifi Divisional Chief at the Koforidua High Court restraining them from carrying out any activity.
