The Nifa Division of Awukugua in the Akuapem Traditional Area, in the eastern region, has enstooled Okweredom Owusu Obuobi I, a seasoned football coach with both local and international experience as the new Mponuahene of the area.
The 59-year-old coach, known in private life as Emmanuel Obuobi, succeeds the late Nana Kantinka Addy, who occupied the stool for more than two decades, ushering in a new chapter in the town’s traditional leadership.
He swore the oath of allegiance last December to the Awukuguahene, Osabarima Opese Konadu II, the queen mother and elders of Awukugua.
The new Mponuahene hails from Akyemede of the Asona Clan, a royal lineage of Awukugua.
Introducing the new chief at a short but colourful, Osabarima Opese Konadu II expressed confidence in the choice of the royal family, describing Okweredom Obuobi I as the rightful and deserving successor.
He said Awukugua, known for its peace and unity, required a leader with a solid background to bring people together and drive development.
The Awukuguahene appealed to the chiefs and people of the town to rally behind the new Mponuahene, stressing that leadership is a collective effort.
“He cannot do it alone,” he noted.
Osabarima Opese Konadu urged the new chief to serve with truthfulness, sincerity and humility, expressing hope that he would live up to his oath and meet the expectations of the stool.
In his response, Okweredom Owusu Obuobi I thanked the kingmakers for the confidence reposed in him and pledged not to disappoint.
“What I need from you is your maximum support and guidance to enable me to perform my duties effectively,” he said.
Quoting a traditional proverb, he added that one does not always know where a path bends until it is pointed out, and therefore encouraged the people to correct him whenever he erred.
The ceremony further renewed calls for unity as Awukugua prepares to move forward under its new Mponuahene.
Before his elevation, Okweredom Obuobi built a career in football, coaching Waeco Football Club at Adanse Praso in the Ashanti Region and later managing another club, U9, in Prince William County in Virginia, USA, and a CAF license C coach, experiences traditional leaders say equips him with the discipline and leadership needed to unite the people.
