Residents of Nyankamam near Enchi in the Aowin Municipality of the Western Region, have appealed to the Minister of Chieftancy and Religious Affairs, the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, the Western North Regional Minister, the Regional Police Commissioner, the and the National House of Chiefs to urgently intervene in the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the town.
According to the residents, the Aowin Traditional Council, mandated by law to resolve chieftancy disputes within its jurisdiction, has been dysfunctional for several years, making it impossible to constitute a properly recognized judicial committee in line with the Chieftancy Act to adjudicate the matter submitted by the late Queenmother of the Asamangama Royal Family of Nyankamam.
The current Abusuapanin of the Royal Family, Joe Mends Aboah indicated that he is trying his best to bring the past glory of the family back and he will not rest until he achieves the complete unification of the Asamangama Royal Family and the community at large.
“The traditional Council has been inactive for too long and this vacuum is what is deepening the confusion in our town”, a concerned elder lamented.
Some residents said the prolonged delay in properly enstooling and recognizing a substantive chief has stalled Nyankamam’s traditional recognition at the Aowin Traditional Palace, a situation they believe has negatively affected development.
“Without a recognized chief, we are always left out when development issues are discussed at the traditional level,”, a youth leader with investors and government agencies struggling to know who to engage”, a youth leader said.
Background to the Dispute
The chieftancy dispute dates back to 1999, following the death of the then chief of Nyankamam, Nana Adu Kwame II. After his demise, the late queenmother, Nana Yaa Meisu, together with the late Abusuapanin, Nana Kwasi Abaah, nominated and enstooled Mr. Amos Rosely, popularly known as Nana Ebah, as the rightful successor.
Investigations revealed that Nana Ebah subsequently occupied the Nyankamam palace and performed his duties as the chief until until 12th October, 2011, enjoying broad endorsement from kingmakers and residents. These events occurred during the reign of the late Omanhene of the Aowin Traditional Council, Odeneho Brentu IV.
However, opposition later across when a family member , dissatisfied with Nana Ebah’s enstolment , swore an affidavit on 18th February, 2008, challenging his recognition as Chief. The case, residents say, was ruled in favor of the queenmother by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The chieftancy matter has dragged on for years, and in the meantime, the town is suffering”, another resident complained.
Traditionally, the Nyankamam Stool can only be occupied by royals from four recognized gates or lineages, descendants of Nana Gyande Ebi, Nana Akua Nga, Nana Abon Akasi and Nana Asare Mayei, the lineage from which Nana Ebah originates.
Competing Enstolment Deepening Tensions.
This Reporterfurther gathered that during a period when Nana Ebah was in Kumasi, writing his Examination at the Garden City University College, another Royal, Mary Abiaw, allegedly took advantage of his absence to initiate processes at the Aowin Traditional Council.
She reportedly nominated Ahmed Amadu, a nephew of Nana Ebah and with the support of some family members and kingmakers, performed certain rites to present him as Chief of Nyankamam.
Residents say this action marked the beginning of the entrenched dispute that continues to divide the community.
Fear of Possible Clashes.
Residents expressed fear that the situation could degenerate into violent Chieftancy Clashes if the appropriate authorities fail to act decisively.
“We are sitting on a time bomb”, a resident warned. “If nothing is done, misunderstandings could turn violent”
Nyankamam is endowed with vast lands, including Jomoro, Yiwabra Nkwanta,, Asantekrom and Yiwabra. Residents believe that a properly enstooled and universally recognized chief would help unite the people and accelerate development.
“A legimate Chief will bring peace, unity and development,” resident stressed.
The residents have therefore appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs and all relevant state institutions to intervene urgently, emphasizing the need for swift action to preserve peace.
When reached, a Royal at the Aowin Traditional Council who pleaded anonymity said the Nyankamam Chieftancy dispute is a matter of great concern, pledging that the council is poised to resolving it soon.
” A stitch in time saves nine”, they cautioned.
Source: Richmond Antwi Boasiako -Samreboi, W/R
