Drama over Larteh Chief’s death

Circumstances that led to the death of the Larteh Kubease chief, Nana Kwartei Agyemfra Okatakyire II, has stoked controversy.

The chief joined the ancestral world on May 2, this year shortly after his routine medical checkup at the Police Hospital in Accra.

Four months on, some sub chiefs have been fingered as responsible for his death. Notable among them is Nana Achi Koi, known in private life as Dr Derrick Danso, the Akumfihene of Larteh Kubease.

Last Wednesday, a royal meeting to perform rites for the annual ‘Adae’(ban on noise-making) at the departed chief’s palace ended on a sour note following pronouncements by Dr Danso that Nana’s reign had ended and demanded his replacement .

Twafohene Ama Asaabea I, who is also a sub chief, told DAILY GUIDE that “…he confessed stabbing Nana physically because Nana had earlier stabbed him. We were not shocked to hear such a comment from him because he demonstrated strong dislike for Nana.”

“What he did was contrary to what pertains in chieftaincy. We don’t ask for a departed chief’s replacement when he is not buried, and that is why we are not happy,” she added.

His confession reportedly angered the gathering, resulting in a protracted heated debate. Dr Danso later confirmed his pronouncement in a recorded telephone conversation with the Agwesohene, Nana Tete Pimpong, who was not present at the Wednesday meeting and wanted clarification on the confession.

Dr Danso, a medical practitioner, in the said telephone conversation, allegedly said: “…Yes, Nana stabbed me physically with an object which rendered me sick for two weeks. He attacked me at a function after we had both exchanged pleasantries.”

However, in a telephone interview with DAILY GUIDE, Dr Danso said: “My brother, where did you hear this? The whole thing has been blown out of proportion. I am baffled at what is going on so I have decided to lodge a complaint with the police.”

A day after the Akumfihene’s confession, traditional leaders of the town went haywire clad in red wrist and headbands. They poured libation and slaughtered a white sheep to register their displeasure at the sub chief’s confession.