The controversial Atuabo Kundum and Grand Durbar, which recently made headlines for the wrong reasons, may have ended but one thing remains clear: the non-gazetted paramount chief, Egya Ackah, flouted a directive issued by the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
Ahead of the festival, REGSEC had stepped in following intelligence reports of a possible clash arising from a protracted chieftaincy dispute within the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
To avert potential violence, REGSEC heightened security in the area and imposed restrictions on Egya Ackah, also known in private life as Berenger Flaton.
The intervention came after some divisional chiefs petitioned REGSEC, warning that the planned Kundum celebration could spark confrontation if preventive measures were not taken. REGSEC, however, allowed the festival to proceed but with specific limitations.
Among the restrictions, the non gazetted chief was barred from being carried in a palanquin and from performing rituals exclusively reserved for a gazetted paramount chief.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson earlier confirmed these measures to The Chronicle.
According to him, “REGSEC is not interested in who is the rightful chief or who is not. Our priority is to ensure peace in the area.”
To enforce the directive, the Regional Police Command deployed personnel to maintain order throughout the festivities.
However, The Chronicle’s independent checks, supported by both video and pictorial evidence, reveal that Egya Ackah openly defied the REGSEC directive.
Footage in this reporter’s possession shows him adorned in full traditional regalia, being carried in a palanquin through the streets of Atuabo during the Kundum Durbar.
It remains unclear what action REGSEC will take, following this open disregard for its directive.
Traditionally, both Ahanta and Nzema communities suspend Kundum celebrations when a royal passes away.
This year, following the death of the Head of the Ndweafo Royal Family, the Kundum Committee advised all bereaved traditional areas to observe a partial celebration.
While Aiyinase, Azuleluanu and others complied by holding subdued observances, Atuabo had initially opted out of celebrating altogether — a decision later reversed by the non gazetted chief.
It is on record that the Atuabo Kundum committee directive was issued before an attempted assassination on the life of Awulae Amihere Kpanyile, the legitimate Omanhene in his palace this year January forcing him to evacuate the palace to safety on advice of Police.
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