In reference to an article published in the Chronicle newspaper on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, titled: Wenchi Omanhene Promises to Develop Wenchi, we write to set the records straight.
The Sofoase Yefre and Nkwaduano Yefre royal families of Wenchi, situated in the Bono Region, wish to clarify that Wenchi presently does not have a legitimate and substantive Omanhene. According to Article 277 of the 1992 constitution, a chief is a person, who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, undergoes a valid nomination, election, selection, and enstoolment processes in accordance with the relevant customary laws and practices.
Mr. Kwaku Abrefa Damoah, who currently claims the title of Wenchimanhene, did not fulfill these customary protocols and therefore, cannot be recognized as such. It is important to emphasize that inclusion in a gazette or acceptance into a Regional House of Chiefs, does not legitimize an illegitimate act. Such actions merely serve to confuse the public without any genuine basis.
The purported ‘Omanhene’ of Wenchi is reported to have commended the Dormaahene and members of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs for their efforts in resolving the longstanding chieftaincy dispute in Wenchi. However, contrary to the assertions made, Wenchi is still grappling with a contentious chieftaincy issue, and it is disheartening to witness such a departure from the truth.
Kwaku Abrefa Damoah, who claims to be the Omanhene should refrain from propagating misleading information and to address the unresolved matter at hand. It is perplexing that he has been gazetted while the substantive case against him remains pending at the Bono House of Chiefs for the past three years without a hearing.
We wish to make it abundantly clear that the Sofoase Yefre and Nkwaduano Yefre, the indigenous royal families of Wenchi, will not stand by idly while adopted royals; the Ahenfie Yefre family, attempt to undermine our customs and traditions and rewrite the history of our beloved kingdom. We want to emphasize that peace remains elusive in Wenchi, and we shall continue our pursuit of justice.
“Na wo nim amamre a, wo nsei amamre,”
Signed, Dr. Obeng Gyan Busia ABUSUAPANYIN of Sofoase Yefre Royal Family
