Chieftaincy Crisis: Aowin Nyankamam Sits On A Time Bomb

Residents of Nyankamam near Enchi in the Aowin Municipality of the Western Region have appealed to the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, the Western North Regional Minister, the Regional Police Commander and the National House of Chiefs to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the town.

According to the residents, the Aowin Traditional Council, mandated by law to resolve chieftaincy disputes within its jurisdiction has been dysfunctional for several years, making it impossible to constitute a properly recognised judicial committee, in line with the Chieftaincy Act, to adjudicate the matter submitted by the late Queenmother of the Asamangama Royal Family of Nyankamam.

The current Abusuapanin of the Royal Family, Nana 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 told The Chronicle.

A member of the Aowin Traditional Council, who pleaded anonymity, when contacted, said the Nyankamam Chieftaincy dispute is a matter of great concern, pledging that the Traditional Council is bent on resolving the dispute soon.

Some residents said the prolonged delay in ensuring the enstoolment of a substantive chief has stalled, thus denting the image of the Aowin Traditional Palace, which situation has negatively affected development.

“Without a recognised chief, we are always left out when development issues are discussed at the traditional level,” a youth leader lamented adding that “Investors and government agencies do not know who to engage”.

Traditionally, the Nyankamam Stool is occupied by royals from four recognised gates or lineages and descendants of Nana Gyande Ebi, Nana Akua Nga, Nana Abon Akasi and Nana Asare Mayei, the lineage from which Nana Ebah originates.

Genesis of the Dispute

The chieftaincy dispute dates back to 1999, following the death of the chief of Nyankamam, Nana Adu Kwame II.

Upon 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. He occupied the Nyankamam palace and performed his duties as chief with the backing of kingmakers and residents until October 12, 2011.

These events occurred during the reign of the late Omanhene of the Aowin Traditional Council, Odeneho Brentu IV.

The Chronicle gathered that a section of the Royal family expressed dissatisfaction with Nana Ebah’s enstolment and swore an affidavit on February 18, 2008, challenging his recognition as Chief.

The case, residents say, was ruled in favour of the queenmother by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Chronicle further gathered that during a period when Nana Ebah enrolled as a student of the Garden City University College in Kumasi, 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 some rites to present him as Chief of Nyankamam marking the beginning of the entrenched dispute that continues to divide the community.

Imminent Clashes in view

Residents expressed fear that the situation could degenerate into violent Chieftaincy Clashes if the appropriate authorities fail to act decisively.

“We are sitting on a time bomb”, a resident warned and noting that “If nothing is done, misunderstandings could turn violent. A legitimate Chief will bring peace, unity and development.”

They have, therefore, appealed to the Regional House of Chiefs and all relevant state institutions including National Security to swiftly intervene, emphasising the need for swift action to preserve peace.

Their plea is against the fact that Nyankamam is endowed with vast lands, including Jomoro, Yiwabra Nkwanta, Asantekrom and Yiwabra, with the belief that a substantive and universally recognised chief would help unite the people and accelerate development.

“A stitch in time saves nine”, they cautioned.

From Richmond Antwi Boasiako, Samreboi, W/R.

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