Some chiefs and members of the Ntweafo Royal Family of Atuabo, in the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area of the Western Region, are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to urgently intervene in what they describe as growing political interference in the area’s paramount stool affairs.
The chiefs alleged that certain politicians within the current government are meddling in their traditional processes, to influence the enstoolment of a new Paramount Chief even though the area already has a legitimate and widely recognized leader, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III.
They emphasized that the existing Paramount Chief has long served in various positions within the Regional House of Chiefs and remains the rightful occupant of the stool.
The chiefs expressed deep concern that the increasing involvement of political actors in their customs is undermining their traditions and threatening the peace and unity of the area. They called for a clear separation between traditional authority and partisan political interests.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Nana Kwame Bentum II, Chief of Salma, stated that politicians should concentrate on fulfilling their mandates within their constituencies instead of interfering in chieftaincy matters.
“We are calling on President Mahama to call these politicians to order,” he said. “We also appeal to the IGP to caution some police officers whose actions could lead to unrest in our area.”
Nana Bentum added that the people of Atuabo hold Ghana’s laws in high regard and expect the government and security agencies to act swiftly to prevent potential chaos.
He further alleged that the paramount chief’s palace has recently been taken over by an individual who is not a chief, with the person reportedly receiving police protection facilitated by political figures.
The chiefs insist the situation must be addressed immediately to preserve peace, protect tradition, and prevent further tension within the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
