The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families of Wenchi have urged the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to resolve the long-standing Wenchihene chieftaincy dispute. In a statement issued on September 5, 2026, the families said the substantive chieftaincy matter has remained pending since 2019, creating uncertainty and tension within the Wenchi Traditional Area. This dispute concerns the validity of the nomination and enstoolment of Kwaku Damoah as Wenchihene.
The unresolved case has contributed to tensions surrounding other stools, customary lands, and traditional authority within Wenchiman. The families cited the reported suspension of the Twafo Stool and the purported destoolment of the Twafohene, Nana Akora Tua Adutwum Kyereme Konfour IV, as matters of concern. These developments have raised concerns about the stability of traditional authority in the area.
The Twafohene had been prepared to give evidence before the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs on the customary processes for the enstoolment of a Wenchihene. The families argued that any allegations against the Twafohene should be properly communicated to him and dealt with through the appropriate customary and lawful processes. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of traditional institutions.
The families also raised concerns over an alleged allocation of about 14,000 acres of customary land belonging to different families and lineages to an individual. They said such disputes must be handled transparently and in accordance with the law and customary practices. The arbitrary allocation of land can lead to further conflicts and undermine traditional authority.
The statement also raised concerns about reported mining activities at Twrontwo near Atuna and their alleged impact on the Tain River. The families referred to reports containing allegations of mining operations, excavated pits, environmental damage, and claims involving payments connected to the mining activities. These allegations have not been judicially established and require an independent investigation.
The protection of the Tain River and the reclamation of affected lands should be treated as matters of public interest, given the river’s importance to communities in the area. The families also expressed concern about reported disputes involving other traditional areas, including Awisa, Akrobi, and Wurompo. Competing claims to traditional authority could create further uncertainty and tension in the region.
The royal families said their intervention was not intended to create conflict but to promote peace, unity, and stability in Wenchiman. They urged the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and relevant institutions to facilitate a timely determination of the substantive Wenchihene case. All parties are called upon to refrain from violence, threats, intimidation, and actions that could deepen divisions while the various matters remain before the appropriate institutions.
Key points
- The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families of Wenchi have urged the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to resolve the long-standing Wenchihene chieftaincy dispute.
- The dispute concerns the validity of the nomination and enstoolment of Kwaku Damoah as Wenchihene, a matter which has been before the appropriate customary and judicial institutions since 2019.
- The families have also called for an independent investigation into alleged mining activities at Twrontwo near Atuna and their impact on the Tain River.
