Concerned Citizens of Mepe have called on traditional leaders, kingmakers, and national authorities to expedite the resolution of a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in the Mepe Traditional Area, emphasizing the need to install a new Paramount Chief before the upcoming August Afenorto Festival.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Wilson Dziwornu Gakpetor – Spokesperson of the Concern Citizens of Mepe, condemned the unresolved chieftaincy impasse that has persisted for over 19 years, following the death of the last Paramount Chief, Torgbui Anipati, known in private life as Dr. Joe Gekerh.
The prolonged vacancy of the Togbega Anipati Royal Paramount Stool, they say, has adversely affected development in the area and tarnished the reputation of Mepe.
The chieftaincy dispute between the Gli and Adzesu royal families of the Akorvie-Divisional Clan has been a major source of tension.
Both factions previously agreed to abide by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs’ directives following the court’s determination of the case.
However, the Concerned Citizens have questioned why the Adzesu faction has failed to act after the final ruling.
“For how long shall Mepe remain without a Paramount Chief?” the group asked, calling for immediate action to resolve the matter.
The group has urged the Ministry of Chieftaincy, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, and the National House of Chiefs to step in and condemn the actions of individuals allegedly fueling the dispute.
They also warned faceless groups and traditional office holders engaging in questionable practices to desist from further inflaming tensions.
He condemned the conduct of the Queen mother, Mama Adzo Sreku IV, who he indicated is fomenting the troubles within the traditional area.
According to the Spokesperson, the Queen mother has written to the Regional House of Chiefs fighting an earlier ruling that upheld the Mankralo’s position as the paramount chief.
He called on the Queen mother to desist and withdraw from all activities that might hinder the progress towards the installation of the paramount chief.
“Our demand is simple: the elders, kingmakers, and heads of families of the Akorvie-Divisional Clan must urgently install a new Paramount Chief to bring order and development to Mepe,” they stated.
The absence of a Paramount Chief, according to the Concerned Citizens, has led to a lack of proper leadership and delayed progress in Mepe.
They noted that the ongoing conflict has exposed the community to ridicule both locally and internationally, particularly on social and traditional media platforms.
“The unresolved chieftaincy dispute has become an albatross around our necks and is damaging the reputation of Mepe people globally,” the group lamented.
The Concerned Citizens also highlighted tensions surrounding the Sreku Paramount Stool of the Adzigo Divisional Clan, calling on its elders to ensure that the rightful candidate is installed to avoid further confusion.
The group stressed the need for unity among the feuding factions and urged traditional leaders to restore peace before the August Afenorto Festival.
They warned that further delays would force them to explore constitutional and customary means to press their demands.
“We are yearning for permanent peace and the amicable settlement of this dispute. Our traditional leaders must act now to save the Mepe Traditional Area,” they declared.
The Concerned Citizens also appealed to the judicial committee of the National House of Chiefs to expedite its ruling on the chieftaincy case.
They called for swift and decisive action to restore the sanctity of Mepe’s chieftaincy institution and ensure the area’s development.
The group reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the future of Mepe and urged stakeholders to act in the best interest of the community.
