Nkoranza sits on time bomb

Kofi Doe Lawson Classic FM Techiman B/A; Unless something is done immediately, there could be bloodbath at Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region following an attempt made by the Omanhene of the traditional Area, Nana Okatakyie Agyemang Kodom to install another Benkumhene whiles the incumbent is not customarily distooled. As at the time of writing this story, armed policemen are guarding the palaces of the Omanhene and the Benkumhene which are just a few meters apart.

About three years ago the Omanhene banned the Benkumhene and Krontihene from entering his palace because he had some misunderstanding with them. He then gave the family members of the two sub-chiefs forty days to present to him new persons to swear to him but sadly, the family members of the two declined and treated his instruction with contempt because according to them, the two had done nothing wrong to warrant their destoolments.

The matter has been hanging on since then with high tension brewing in the town. On Thursday, 11th August 2009, rumours started doing the rounds in town that the Omanhene was about to install a new Benkumhene. This news did not go down well with the family of the incumbent Benkumhene who rushed to the palace of the Benkumhene, armed to the teeth and threatening to also install another Omanhene if he dared install a new Benkumhene.

Following a report made to the Nkoranza District police boss, ASP Lomotey, more policemen were drafted from neigbouring towns like Techiman, Wenchi and Kintampo to beef up security. When Daily Guide visited the town, several policemen could be seen guarding the two palaces whiles both factions were holding meetings.

Speaking to this reporter, an elder of the Omanhene’s palace who spoke on the basis of anonymity said the Omanhene’s trouble emanated from the allegation leveled against him by the late Asenehene and the Late Ankobeahene that he had stolen gold ornaments belonging to the stool and sold them in Britain. He said the inability for the Omanhene to account for the gold ornaments and his refusal to bring them for inspection by the queen mother as tradition demanded has fueled the allegation.

Investigation conducted by this reporter indicated that since the Omanhene was enstooled about twenty two years ago, there has never been peace in the traditional area as he destools his sub-chiefs randomly without any tangible charge. He was also alleged to have squandered monies coming to the traditional council from the sale of building plots and stool land revenues.