By Adu Koranteng
A 24 year old dispute between the Akwatiahene and the Abakoma Henefie Mmarimmamu clan which traveled through the legal and the traditional system for 24 years has ended with a victory for the Abakomahene clan which was detached from the Oman Hene stool,
The Paramount chief of Akwatia, Nana Kofi Boateng in 1995 barred any family member from the Abakomahene clan from contesting to become a paramount chief when the seat became vacant. The decision by the Akwatiahene was contested in a Koforidua High Court and was won by the Abakomahene. However, the Akwatiahene who was not satisfied made an appeal at the Regional House of Chiefs and it Judgment was made against Him and in favor of the Abakomahene
The Akwatia Hene was still not satisfied so he hauled the case before the National House of Chiefs and after detailed investigations and deliberation a ruling was made against him. A ruling at the national House of chiefs is regarded as the Supreme Court in Ghana’s traditional system. The ruling therefore means that the Abakoma Hene clan is part of the Royal family and all clans in the royal family are equal and any member of the various can become paramount chief of Akwatia.
The Abakomahenefie Mmarimmamu Abusuapanyin, Nana Kofi Ampofo described the final ruling as a victory for the people of Akwatia and said all parties should adhere to the ruling and live in peace in Akwatia. He said through peace there would be development in Akwatia,
This is a great victory for the Abakomahenefie Mmarimmamu Abusua and we are proud of it. The era of divide and rule are over. We are all one people and will live in Peace for the growth of Akwatia .
