The Okyenhene, His Royal Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has appointed a regent for Akyem Kukurantumi, following the prolonged and unexplained absence of the town’s substantive chief.
In an official statement, the Okyenhene named Bafour Ohemeng Gyamera, the Krontihene of Kukurantumi, as Acting Chief (Regent) with immediate effect.
The statement, signed by Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, D.M. Ofori-Atta, explained that the decision became necessary due to the continuous absence of Daasebre Boamah Darko II, who also serves as Adontenhene of Akyem Abuakwa. His whereabouts, authorities say, remain unknown.
As Regent, Bafour Ohemeng Gyamera is tasked with overseeing the customary administration of Kukurantumi, managing all affairs relating to the stool and ensuring peace and stability within the traditional area.
He is further expected to work closely with the stool elders and report directly to Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, the Tafohene, in the discharge of his duties.
The Okyenhene expressed confidence in the regent’s ability to uphold tradition, maintain order, and preserve unity in Kukurantumi during the chief’s absence.
Background
Akyem Kukurantumi is a key town within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, where chieftaincy plays a central role in governance, dispute resolution, and cultural preservation. Under customary law, the installation of a regent becomes necessary when a stool is vacant or when a substantive chief is unable to perform his duties due to absence, incapacity, or other exceptional circumstances.
The unexplained absence of Daasebre Boamah Darko II has, however, sparked widespread concern and speculation within the community and beyond. Unconfirmed reports circulating in recent weeks have fueled rumours about his possible demise, although no official confirmation has been provided by the traditional council or family.
The situation has heightened public interest, particularly given the chief’s prominence not only within Akyem Abuakwa but also in national affairs, where he is reported to be a member of the Council of State.
Traditional authorities are expected to rely on the regency arrangement to maintain continuity in leadership and prevent any vacuum that could trigger instability or disputes over the Kukurantumi Stool.
Rising Tension
The latest development is likely to intensify public scrutiny and deepen the ongoing speculation surrounding the chief’s status, even as authorities urge calm and restraint.
Observers say the regent’s role will be crucial in sustaining peace and ensuring that customary processes are respected while clarity is awaited on the fate and status of the substantive chief.
In a related development Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has announced an immediate ban on the burial of deceased persons within residential homes, citing serious public health and environmental concerns.
The directive was issued during a State Council meeting held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi.
Addressing the council, the Okyenhene stressed that the growing practice of burying the dead in family homes, while residents simultaneously depend on boreholes within the same environment poses significant health risks and is no longer acceptable.
He warned that any individual found flouting the directive would face sanctions, underscoring the traditional authority’s commitment to safeguarding public health and sanitation.
The move, according to the Okyenhene, forms part of broader efforts to promote healthy living standards and prevent potential disease outbreaks linked to unsafe burial practices.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa South, Addo Aikins Jnr, endorsed the decision, describing it as timely and necessary to protect the environment and public well-being.
In his address, the MCE also sounded the alarm over increasing degradation of the Atewa Forest Reserve, attributing it to the activities of illegal miners.
He disclosed that some heavily armed illegal miners had recently kidnapped forestry guards, who were subsequently rescued through coordinated efforts by security agencies.
Addo Aikins Jnr warned that decisive action would soon be taken to clamp down on illegal mining and appealed to religious leaders to support the fight, noting that many of the activities occur at night and require both physical and moral intervention.
The combined push against unsafe burial practices and illegal mining, authorities say, is part of a broader agenda to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.
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