A wave of tension is sweeping through the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region as a dispute over the installation of a new Paramount Chief intensifies.
The controversy, which has been described by locals as a direct defiance of both court orders and traditional protocols, has sparked fears of violence and unrest.
The Agona Royal Family of Denkyira, Old Juabeng, and New Juabeng has petitioned the Central Regional House of Chiefs, challenging the legitimacy of one Oscar Kesse, also known as Kwame Mensah, who has been nominated and announced as the next Denkyirahene.
According to the petition, signed by Abusuapanyin Precious Kwame Mensah, Sampson Delali Mensah, and Alice Afia Mensah, the nominee is not a recognized member of the Agona Royal Family the only family traditionally entitled to provide a candidate for the paramount stool.
“Oscar Kesse is not from the Agona Royal Family and, by custom, cannot be nominated, selected, or enstooled as chief of Denkyira,” the petition stated.
Queenmother of Denkyira, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III
The petitioners further accused the Queenmother of Denkyira, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, of unilaterally nominating Kwame Mensah despite his alleged ineligibility and failure to appear before a vetting committee established to review prospective candidates.
They claim the selection process excluded the principal kingmakers of the Denkyira Traditional Area, thereby violating long-standing customs and traditions.
Background of the Dispute
The paramount stool of Denkyira has been vacant since 2015 following the death of Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III.
Traditionally, when the stool becomes vacant, a qualified royal from the Agona Family — the recognized ruling clan of Denkyira — is selected and enstooled.
However, the petitioners argue that both the Queenmother and the nominee are Fantes belonging to the Asona Clan of Cape Coast, whose totem is the “Kwakwadabi” (crow).
As such, they insist that neither has any legitimate claim to the Denkyira paramount stool.
“The Queenmother, not being a true royal of the Agona Family, has no authority to nominate a candidate for the Denkyira stool. Her actions and the purported installation are, therefore, null and void,” the petition added.
Petition to the House of Chiefs
The Agona Royal Family is seeking a declaration from the Central Regional House of Chiefs to nullify the Queenmother’s status and restrain her from performing any duties related to the paramount stool.
They are also asking the House to prohibit Kwame Mensah from being proclaimed, confined, or installed as the new Paramount Chief of Denkyira.
Additionally, the petition seeks an injunction to prevent both the Queenmother and the nominee from engaging in any further traditional rituals or managing properties belonging to the Denkyira Paramountcy.
Defiance of Court and Security Concerns
Despite a pending injunction from the House of Chiefs, the Queenmother has announced that the installation ceremony will proceed on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Jukwa, the traditional capital of Denkyira.
Information gathered from sources within the area suggests that both factions are allegedly mobilizing supporters ahead of the ceremony, raising fears of potential clashes.
Reports indicate that one faction has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), National Security, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to intervene and prevent the installation, citing concerns over possible violence.
Security analysts and local opinion leaders warn that the escalating tension could lead to loss of lives and destruction of property if swift action is not taken by the authorities.
A reliable source within the Denkyira Traditional Area confirmed that the situation remains volatile and called for immediate intervention by security agencies and traditional stakeholders to maintain peace.
“If urgent steps are not taken, this dispute could explode into open conflict,” the source cautioned.
As the October 20 installation date approaches, the Denkyira Traditional Area remains on edge. With both factions holding firm to their positions, many residents fear that without decisive intervention from the state and the House of Chiefs, the long-standing peace in the area could be compromised.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
