Nana Afua Nketia Obuo and Nana Yaw Ampem Darko
NATIONAL SECURITY operatives and some police officers were said to have stormed the Akropong chief’s palace in the Eastern Region to pick up some prominent chiefs at dawn yesterday.
The move was in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy tussle over who should succeed the late Okuapehene, Oseadeyo Addo Dankwah III – who ruled for 41 years.
Those reportedly arrested were Nana Kwasi Omenako II (head of the Asona family of Akuapem) and Tufuhene of Akropong, Nana Yaw Ampem Darko known in private life as George Darko (the popular highlife musician who composed the hit song ‘Ako Te Brofo’ years ago).
They are said to have been taken to the regional police headquarters in Koforidua, the regional capital.
A source at the palace told DAILY GUIDE that the gun-wielding security agents ransacked the palace before whisking them away under heavy security.
Before the Christmas festivities, there was uneasy calm at Akropong following the installation and counter installation of a paramount chief for the traditional area.
Two factions have emerged from the Sakyebea royal family and each is claiming to be the rightful gate to select the next Okuapemhene.
Currently, Odehyie Kwasi Akuffo, a 63-year-old retired journalist and businessman and Nana Kese – both from the Sakyebea family – were said to have been processed simultaneously for installation as paramount chief.
Odehyie Akuffo is being presented by Okuapemhemaa (Queen mother) Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II, while the Baamuhene, Nana Afari Bampoe, with support from Nana Osim Kwatia – chief of Amonokrom – is backing Nana Kesse, believed to be in his mid-30s and once domiciled in the United States.
Narrating the action to DAILY GUIDE, Okyeame Kwasi Akuffo claimed that, the security agents had for some days before, been hiding at Amanokrom, before storming the palace to effect the arrests.
Currently, there is a case pending before the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs between the queen mother and some of the kingmakers who are against her decision to nominate Odehyie Kwasi Akuffo – who is said to have completed almost all the processes to become the Okuapemhene – to the chagrin of Abrewatia Lily Agyamang, one of the old ladies of the Akuapem royal family.
At the time of filing this report yesterday, DAILY GUIDE learnt that the two chiefs had been released on bail.
FROM Daniel Bampoe, Akropong