The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families of Wenchi have urged the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Wenchihene stool. The chieftaincy matter has been pending since 2019, causing uncertainty and tension in the Wenchi Traditional Area. The dispute centers on the validity of Kwaku Damoah's nomination and enstoolment as Wenchihene. This matter has been before customary and judicial institutions, but a resolution has yet to be reached.
The unresolved case has contributed to tensions surrounding other stools, customary lands, and traditional authority in Wenchiman. The Twafo Stool has been suspended, and the Twafohene, Nana Akora Tua Adutwum Kyereme Konfour IV, has been reportedly destooled. The royal families expressed concern over these developments, citing the need for proper communication and lawful processes in addressing any allegations against the Twafohene. The Twafohene had been prepared to give evidence before the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.
The families also raised concerns over the alleged allocation of 14,000 acres of customary land to an individual. They argued that such disputes must be handled transparently, in accordance with the law and customary practices. The royal families called for a halt to arbitrary sales, allocations, or seizures of customary lands until the rights of the affected families and lineages are determined. This, they believe, will help prevent further conflict and promote peace in the area.
Reported mining activities at Twrontwo near Atuna have also raised concerns among the royal families. They cited allegations of environmental damage, excavated pits, and payments connected to the mining activities. However, these allegations have not been judicially established, and the families have called for an independent investigation. The protection of the Tain River and the reclamation of affected lands are matters of public interest, given the river's importance to local communities.
The royal families expressed concern about reported disputes in other traditional areas, including Awisa, Akrobi, and Wurompo. Competing claims to traditional authority could create further uncertainty and tension, they warned. The families urged all parties to refrain from violence, threats, intimidation, and actions that could deepen divisions while the matters remain before the appropriate institutions.
The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families emphasized that their intervention aims 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. A resolution to the dispute is expected to help alleviate tensions and promote a peaceful coexistence among the affected parties.
The Wenchi royal families' call for a resolution to the chieftaincy dispute highlights the need for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the matter. Key parties must work together to address the concerns raised and find a solution that promotes peace and stability in the Wenchi Traditional Area.
Key points
- The Wenchi royal families urge the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to resolve the long-standing dispute over the Wenchihene stool.
- The dispute has caused uncertainty and tension in the Wenchi Traditional Area since 2019.
- The royal families have also called for an investigation into reported mining activities near the Tain River.
