In the Amedzofe traditional area of the Awatime Paramountcy, two rival gates have installed two different Okusie (Chief) to the same position on Saturday, causing uncertainty and potential disruption to the area’s tourism potential. The conflicting installations were carried out by the Asamani and Dzokoto gates, who traditionally hold the position on a rotational basis.
Prior to the installations, Kingsley Moses Agbesi, District Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Nkawkaw, was installed by the Dzokoto gate. Meanwhile, the Asamani gate performed a similar installation ceremony for Kevin Atikpui, a medical doctor. The simultaneous installations have sparked a dispute as they violate a court injunction issued on Thursday, July 6, and go against a recent peace bond.
Mac Bubuame, Chairman of the Amedzofe Development Association and a member of the Dzokoto faction, expressed their disappointment with the other side’s installation, which he deemed illegal. He highlighted that their faction’s installation was performed by the head of the traditional council and accused their contenders of illegally appointing and installing a new Mankralo, which contradicts traditional norms.
Robert Ameh, the Assembly member for the area and Royal stool father of the Mankralo for the Dzokoto gate, argued that the rotational inheritance was affirmed by a 1968 court ruling. He stated that the interlocutory injunction by the Police, to be heard on Monday, July 10, had no influence on their planned installation. He emphasized the legitimacy of Mr. Agbesi and highlighted the involvement of kingmakers and various customary rites performed during the installation.
Both factions expressed their commitment to peaceful dialogue and preserving the tourism endowment of the area. They assured citizens and tourists of their dedication to maintaining peace and security, while also promoting the rich culture and traditions of the region.
The installation of two Okusie’s under the title Akyim Foli VI marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy and complex legal battle. The event attracted the presence of various security agencies and dignitaries from near and far. Okusie Akyim Foli V, who reigned for 56 years before his passing in 2019, hailed from the Asamani gate.
