The Overlord of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akufo Dampare, to immediately take steps to restore law and order in Asamankese.
The call comes from the background of a renewed chieftaincy dispute between Osabarima Adu Darko III and Barima Pobi Asomanin II, which has created tension in the area.
This was contained in a statement issued by the State Secretary at Ofori Panin Fie, and signed by DM Ofori-Atta, on Monday, December 20, 2021.
According to the statement, “Osagyefuo views the incident of Monday, December 20, 2021, as an affront to the dignity of Okyeman, a desecration and violation of its cherished customs and tradition.”
The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, stated that Osabarima Adu Darko III was the legitimate Chief of Asamankese, who has duly sworn and taken the Oath of Allegiance to him.
The Okyenhene, therefore, described the purported installation of Barima Pobi Asomanin II as Asamankese Chief, amidst violenc,e as “unlawful, irregular, uncustomary, being an aberration of Akyem Abuakwa custom, and, therefore, null, void and of no effect.”
Chief of Aworasa Barima Pobi Asomanin II besieged the Asamankese Palace to install himself as Chief, amidst gunshots.
“Of greater imperative, this obscene, violent, and reckless conduct of Barima Pobi Asomanin II has put Asamankese on the verge of civil strife, communal violence, and poses a threat to life and property.”
The statement further said: “Osagyefuo unreservedly condemns this act, and calls on the police and other law enforcement agencies to immediately restore order, thoroughly probe the incident, bring all culprits to book, and put an immediate end to the unlawful seizure and occupation of the Asamankese Palace.”
The Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council hinted at pressing customary disciplinary actions against Barima Pobi Asomanin II and other errant chiefs.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for West Akyem in the Eastern Region, Mr. Seth Oduro Boadu, has called on the residents not to entertain any fear, because security personnel were in charge of the situation.
Without mincing words, the MCE stated that the Municipal Security Council would not tolerate any group of persons who would want to cause mayhem under the disguise of chieftaincy.
