Hundreds Flee Homes

Many residents of Pankese in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region have fled the town and schools have been temporarily closed down in anticipation of violence that might hit the town as a result of a protracted chieftaincy dispute between the Pankesehene, Nana Mireku Dankwa Misah IV, and the queen mother, Nana Yaa Asantewaa.

The dispute, which dates back to 1992, has already witnessed a number of unfortunate incidents, resulting in the loss of many lives, maiming of others and destruction of property.

The Nkawkaw High Court, which has been drawn into the battle, will, this Wednesday, give a ruling on a counter-motion filed by Nana Mireku after the court’s earlier order on an ex-parte motion filed by the Nana Asantewaa ordering Nana Mireku to allow the burial of one Kwadwo Obeng, who was installed as another chief of Pankese on September 29, 1994 with a stool name, Nana Obeng Asante II by Nana Asantewaa when Nana Mireku was admitted in hospital outside the town for treatment.

The court’s order, which was valid for ten days, asked Nana Mireku and his elders to allow the queenmother and the family of Kwadwo Obeng (Nana Obeng Asante) to bury him at the royal cemetery at Pankese without any hindrance.

Nana Mireku, who was not happy with the court order, immediately filed a counter motion at the same court challenging the earlier order. After listening to the arguments and supporting affidavit by counsel for Nana Mireku, the court fixed December 11, this year, for ruling on the matter.

While the battle was raging at the high court, series of announcements were being carried on a number of FM stations informing the public of the burial and funeral ceremony of Nana Obeng Asante. Guided by the unfortunate history surrounding the dispute and its potential to repeat itself, the residents started fleeing the town for safety, with parents sending their children to neighbouring towns.

The Birim North district directorate of education has also temporarily closed all the schools in the town and has advised the school children to stay indoors, while teachers too have left the town for safety. Ironically, the schools had just started writing their terminal examinations and the closure of the schools will adversely affect the children. The district security committee (DSISEC) and the police have met to adopt measures to calm tempers down.

The police, meanwhile, are on red alert ready to move in to restore peace and order in the event of violence.

When Pankesehene, Nana Mireku Dankwa Misah IV, was contacted, he confirmed the story and said he would be prepared to allow the burial of Nana Obeng Asante at the royal cemetery only if the necessary customary rites were observed and adhered to.

He has, therefore, appealed to all those who have fled the town to return home, asserting that the situation is under control.