Safety protocols disregarded in Akropong after House of Chiefs verdict

Tumultuous jubilation erupted at Akropong and other parts of Akuapem over the verdict of the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs on Wednesday.

The people of Akuapem defied all the protocols in the efforts against COVID-19 spread and were all out in their numbers on the streets of Adawso, Kwamoso, Mamfe and Akropong as well as Aburi, Mampong and other Akuapem areas dancing amidst cheering and jeering.

While some are joyously saying "Akuapem is going to have rightful ruler", others are also jeering the jubilants saying "it is the Ohemea (Queen) who will determine the next chief."

The Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs ruled in the case between the Queen of Akuapem, Nana Afua Obuo Nketiaa II on one hand and the Abrewatia of Sakyiabea Royal Gate, Madam Lily Agyeman on another hand.

Lily Agyeman had petitioned the Judicial Committee over what she deemed as an illegality in selecting a successor to the Akuapem Paramount stool.

The Abrewatia had nominated one Odehye Kwadwo Kesse from the Sakyiabea Royal House or Gate to the Akuapem stool elders since it is the turn of that Gate to provide a successor to the Akuapem Paramount stool.

But for some strange reasons, a different person, Odehye Kwasi Akuffu, was selected by the Queen claiming she, (the Queen) has the right to nominate a successor to the Akuapem Paramount stool.

Unhappy about the development, Madam Lily Agyeman (the Abrewatia) took the matter to the Regional House of Chiefs for redress.

After three years of proceedings, the Judicial Committee presided over by Okotwaresuo Kantamanto Agyeman, Chief of Akyem Swedru, ruled that per customs of Akuapem, the Queen did not have the right to nominate a chief but that it is a reserve of the Abrewatia.

The Judicial Committee, therefore, urged both factions to go and ensure that due processes are followed to install a successor to the late Akuapem Chief, Nana Addo Dankwa III who died in 2015.

The ruling thus set the whole of Akuapem in jubilation on Wednesday evening disregarding COVID-19 measures amidst heavy security presence in the Traditional Area.