‘Adhere to rotational rule to elect new successor’

Akuapem Presbytery Chairperson: Adhere to rotational rule to elect new successor

Reverend George Opare Kwarpong, Chairman of the Akuapem Presbytery has advised king makers of the Akuapem Traditional Council (ATC) to adhere to the rotation rule of electing a successor in other to maintain peace among the Akuapem state.

He indicated that the Akuapem Traditional Council has over the years been noted for chieftaincy disputes when electing a substantive Paramount Chief for the Traditional Council.

“The three royal families; Ama Ogyaa, Nketia and Sekyibea families must abide by the rotation rule with regards to who succeeds who for the sake of peace and unity," he reiterated.

Rev. G. O Kwarpong gave this advice in asermon at a gathering by the Akuapem Traditional Council to officially announce the demise of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, Okuapemhene and Paramount Chief of Akuapem Traditional Council.

The late Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III ruled the Akuapem state for 41 years after he was installed Paramount Chief in August 1974.

He celebrated his 40th anniversary with a re-unification durbar of the Akuapem State after 20 years of chieftaincy dispute among the five divisions of the state.

Rev. Kwarpong noted that the chieftaincy dispute history that has been with the traditional council since 1914 till 1974 should not be repeated because Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa was noted as ambassador of peace and unity.

He pleaded with the three royal families and all the divisional to rally behind the right succession rules of the traditional council to prevent the repetition of the past years.

The Gyaasehene of Akuapem traditional council Nana Osim Kwatia who narrated the occurrence to the acting president nana Otumbour Gyan Kwesi said that "Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa was not feeling well and was called by the ancestors for healing".

He said the journey of Oseadeeyo occurred on Tuesday July 4 after heavy bad windblown through the Akuapem traditional council.

Scene at the traditional council became more moody whiles tears flowing from the checks of the chiefs and sympathizers gathered amidst firing of musketries.

All the five divisions ; Kronti lead by Nana Ofei Kwesi Agyeman, Benkum led by Osabarima Asiedu Okoo Ababio III, Gyaase also lead by Nana Osim Kwatia, Nifa Osagyefo Otutu Konnor and Adonten Nana Otumbour Gyan Kwesi.

The acting president, Otumbour Gyan Kwesi said all the divisions would put their heads together and will make the necessary arrangement publicly when the need arises.