The Osiahene of Osu Nii Nortey Adumuah IV has issued a press statement following the demise of the embattled Chief, Nii Kinka Dwouna VI, to urge peace and cool heads as they prepare for a befitting funeral rites for the late Osu chief.
Nii Adumuah IV stated that “Osu has had more than its fair share of chieftaincy disputes, even before the advent of Michael Dowuona-Owoo on the Osu traditional scene, as Osu Mantse forcing us to operate a two-track chieftaincy system of Old Road and New Road for more than a decade which has not been easy for all of us.”
He said, “In spite of our best efforts, the late Michael Dowuona-Owoo managed to get his name inscribed into the National Register of Chiefs, Kumasi, on 20 December 2011 as Osu Mantse, much to our consternation. He was also voted President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Dodowa, on two successive occasions.”
Nii Osiahene opined that “Alas, we have all been made aware that Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI is sadly no more. However, Old Road, in the person of Nii Nortey Owuo III who was en-stooled as Osu Mantse on 29 December 1984 is still alive, he has not been de-stooled and not abdicated as we used to say in our briefs to various courts, and we have had many court battles because of the assault on our traditions and the usurpation of power which was inflicted upon Osu. However, it has become clear to all of us that Nii OKwei Kinka Dowuona VI is no longer with us. The question is what next?”
“But after much reflection, Osu has decided to over-look and forget the pain suffered for over a decade and look forward to a fruitful future. We have chosen a path of reconciliation and peace for the beautiful people of Osu”, he added.
He stressed that “We the Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, are aware of our responsibilities as defined by custom and tradition, practiced over the years. As the Osiahene of Osu and a member of Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, we are now in a position to convey to you the outcome of our initial broad-based consultations on transitional matters following the passing of Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI.”
Below is their consultative outlines going forward according to the Osiahene and the terms of reference for the Interim committee
- Osu Kinkawe Dzaase will formally consult Dowuona We Royal House and the Osu Traditional Council, following which we shall plead with our brothers at Dowuona We to consider giving Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI a befitting burial. We shall stand by them as brothers and assist in whatever way possible.
- Upon further consultation, we shall establish an Interim Management Committee with representation drawn from the four quarters of Osu, the two ruling Houses, the Osu Traditional Council and representation from Eminent citizens who will advise the Kinkawe Dzaase to ensure peaceful transition to a stable administration as custom demands.
- We note that Osu has been split into many factions and plagued with factional differences for far too long. However, we believe that the cords that bind us together as four quarters of Osu, is strong enough to enable us cooperate with one another as a united whole, resolving our differences, forgetting the past and march forward to a magnificent future.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE of the Interim Committee is the following:
- The Committee shall facilitate resolution of existing disputes in the four quarters of Osu; selecting the most appropriate method applicable to each one of them;
- The Committee shall ensure resolution of disputes among major players and factions in Osu using compromise (give and take) and mutual respect for each other’s views and situation;
iii. The Committee shall consult existing legislation and best practices, to ensure that the Osu Traditional Council and the Divisional Councils as established; in terms of its membership and functions fully conform to laid down regulations and statute;
- The Committee shall make sure that the chieftaincy rotation system between the two royal houses is fully adhered to by them.
Our commitment to peace as we march forward has not been made lightly. Many have made sacrifices for peace in Osu and there will be no place for retribution in this administration. We have chosen this path in the supreme interest of our beloved traditional area.
In view of the compromises made, may we now formally appeal to all factions in Osu to come together to help in building our beautiful fatherland. No one should be left out.
We wish to assure the President of the Republic, the Government of Ghana, the Legislature, the Judiciary, the Council of State; the National House of Chiefs, the Regional Houses of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ghana of our total commitment to peaceful resolution of all challenges during this transitional period and into the future.
The future of Osu is bright. Let us therefore allow brotherly/sisterly love to guide our actions, as we chart this new course of fresh and fruitful future for us, our children and grand-children.
I thank you for your attention.
NII NORTEY ADUMYUAH IV
OSIAHENE OF OSU
