Awo Prah
Tension is gradually mounting in the Akuapem Traditional Area in the Eastern Region over the installation of a new Omanhene as some factions led by the various kingmakers, are parading certain individuals as legitimate heirs to the departed Omanhene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, to occupy the vacant Ofori Kuma stool.
After a purported initial process to install one Kwasi Akuffo from the Sakyiabea royal family by the late Ohemaa of the traditional area, Nana Dokua, who passed away recently, many interested parties have emerged. A lot of candidates are being paraded, creating serious tension in the area.
DAILY GUIDE’s information is that apart from Mr Kwasi Akuffo who among seven others, was accepted by the elders to be installed as the Omanhene of the traditional area, two other royals – Kwawo Kesse Antwi and Awuku Amaning – are also being paraded for the position.
As a result of the mounting tension, Okyeamepanin Kwasi Akuffo has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is a respected native of the area, and the regional minster, to immediately step in to prevent any untoward incident.
According to the Okyeamepanin, some kingmakers had allegedly taken money from some candidates who had not gone through any process to be recognized as heirs to the throne and that that is creating unnecessary tension in the area.
Okyeame Akuffo noted that those individual kingmakers are only thinking about their selfish interests and not the general interest of Okuapeman and the development of the traditional area.
“We are calling on the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and all peace-loving citizens of Akuapem to assist in ensuring that the right person is installed as the new Omanhane of the Akuapem Traditional Area to move the development of the area forward,” he entreated.
In a similar vein, the Ahenenananom (grandchildren of chiefs) have also called on the new queen mother, Awo Praa, to ensure that the process started by her predecessor is followed to the letter so that the right person who will be nominated with a consensus by majority of the kingmakers is installed as the new Omanhene.
Abrewatia Obaapanin Obuor Yeboah Akuffo has also cautioned against any attempt by any interested kingmaker to side-step the laid down procedure in appointing and installing a new Omanhene for the traditional area.
By Thomas Fosu Jnr