Abesim, (Brong Ahafo) 14 July '99
The scheduled installation of the new chief of Abesim, near Sunyani ended in chaos when two of the three contestants were carried shoulder high by their supporters even before the presentation of the queenmother's nominee.
Police had to throw tear gas to disperse the thick crowd and stone throwing youth to offset any calamity during the unfolding drama.
The three people contesting the stool are Mr Kwabena Adoma, an educator, Mr Kwabena Obiri, a Tema-based businessman, and Mr Kwame Ansu, a Sunyani-based private legal practitioner.
The Queenmother, Nana Yaa Pomaa, after keeping the people in suspense nominated Obiri and presented him to the kingmakers for their acceptance.
However, the kingmakers were divided about Obiri's nomination and therefore informed the elders of the town that the matter should be referred to the Omanhene of Dormaa, the traditional overlord of Abesim.
The Queenmother, however, insisted that all the charges that have been levelled against Obiri were not tangible and there was no need to consult the Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area.
It was during the unfolding episode that the two candidates were carried shoulder high by their supporters and paraded through the streets.
The entire crowd which had gathered at the forecourt of the Abesim palace to witness the installation had to ran away from the scene when the tear gas was thrown.
A number of security personnel were deployed to the town to quell any possible disorder in the aftermath of the still-born installation.
However, there was calm yesterday morning even without the presence of the security personnel.
