The Ahenenananom and Ahenemma of the Pepease Royal Family in the Kwahu East District have issued a heartfelt appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a decade-long chieftaincy dispute that continues to threaten peace and security in the area.
According to the petition, the dispute, which has lingered since 2014, has disrupted development and created tension among residents.
The royal family notes that the situation has deteriorated further, with the presence of unknown armed individuals allegedly parading through the town, instilling fear among residents.
The petition, which was signed by the Spokesperson for the Ahenenananom and Ahenemma of the Kwahu Pepease Royal Family, Mr. Owusu Mark Appau, said “the people of Kwahu are known to be peaceful and law-abiding, yet the ongoing impasse at Pepease is undermining the tranquillity and progress we have always cherished,”.
In September 2022, the National House of Chiefs, sitting in Kumasi, ruled on the matter. A five-member panel chaired by Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, with other members such as Osagyefo Kwame Akonu X, Togbegah Patamia Dzekle VI, Nana Ampra Besemuna III and Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako II declared the installation of Mr. Kwaku Osei Bonsu as null and void.
The panel further directed the Queen Mother, Nana Oforiwaa Pokuaa II, to restart the process of installing a legitimate chief for Pepease.
In June 2024, the Kumasi High Court, presided over by Justice Frederick Tetteh, found Mr. Osei Bonsu and Nana Appiah Ofori guilty of contempt for defying the House of Chiefs’ directive.
Both were fined 2,000 penalty units each.
However, the two men reportedly went on to reinstall Mr. Osei Bonsu as chief – again without the consent of the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother later pursued another contempt case and on March 14, 2025 the Koforidua High Court, presided over by Justice Senyo Amedahe, convicted Nana Appiah Ofori II for contempt, but suspended sentencing for 14 days to allow him to purge himself of the offense.
The convicted party has since failed to comply, the petition claims, and continues to occupy the palace with armed guards.
The royal family emphasised that they have exhausted all lawful avenues to resolve the matter, adding that the government’s intervention is urgently needed to avert potential violence and restore peace to the community.
“We, the Ahenenananom and Ahenemma of Kwahu Pepease remain committed to peace and the rule of law. We appeal to His Excellency the President and all relevant state institutions to enforce the rulings of the National House of Chiefs and the High Courts to prevent further escalation of the conflict,” the petitioners said.
The petition has been copied to the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Minister for the Interior, the National Security Coordinator, the Eastern Regional Minister, the District Chief Executive, and regional police authorities
