Kingmakers of the Royal Oyoko Family of Kofikrom have announced the destoolment of Nana Kofi Tawiah II, the Chief of Kofikrom. The decision was made public at a press conference where several allegations were levelled against the chief. These allegations include assault, misuse of stool resources, abuse of power, breaches of tradition, and disrespect towards elders and members of the royal family.
According to the kingmakers, Nana Kofi Tawiah II and his family physically and verbally assaulted the Queen Mother, Nana Yaa Dufie, and other individuals on August 24, 2026. This incident was reported to the Nsawora Police Station. The chief is also accused of threatening the Queen Mother's life and inciting young men, including those involved in illegal mining, against the royal family.
The kingmakers claim that Nana Kofi Tawiah II exploited stool resources for personal gain. They alleged that proceeds from logging on stool lands, meant for the renovation of the Kofikrom Palace, were not used for that purpose. Additionally, the chief is accused of extracting and selling gravel from community areas, keeping the proceeds for himself.
The kingmakers also raised concerns about Nana Kofi Tawiah II facilitating illegal mining activities on stool lands without the consent of the traditional leadership. These activities allegedly resulted in the pollution of several rivers, crucial sources of drinking water for residents. The group also highlighted issues of multiple sales of stool lands, contributing to land disputes and tension in the community.
Furthermore, the kingmakers accused Nana Kofi Tawiah II of breaching traditional practices and customs of Kofikrom. They mentioned actions involving sacred rivers and traditional oaths concerning mining activities. The chief is also accused of preparing sacred food without informing key traditional leaders, which is seen as an affront to traditional authority.
Nana Kofi Tawiah II has rejected the kingmakers' declaration of his destoolment. He claims that only the Paramount Chief has the authority to destool a chief under traditional arrangements. Citing Ghana's Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), he argues that the proper procedure must be followed before a chief can be deposed, including consideration by the Traditional Council's Judicial Committee.
The dispute over Nana Kofi Tawiah II's status as Chief of Kofikrom has highlighted tensions within the traditional leadership and the community. The kingmakers assert that they followed necessary traditional processes to destool him, while Nana Kofi Tawiah II maintains his legitimacy and disputes the kingmakers' authority in the matter.
Key points
- The kingmakers of Kofikrom have declared Nana Kofi Tawiah II destooled due to allegations including assault, misuse of stool resources, and abuse of power.
- Nana Kofi Tawiah II rejects the destoolment, citing the need for the Paramount Chief's involvement and adherence to the Chieftaincy Act.
- The dispute underscores broader issues of traditional governance, power dynamics, and community tensions in Kofikrom.
