Withdraw recognition of Omanhene - Faction

Cape Coast (Central Region) -A group of 30 presons alleged to be members of a faction of the 'Kona Ebiradze' royal family of Cape Coast, on Tuesday called for the withdrawal of the Oguaahene, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II.

Wearing red arm and headbands they besieged the offices of the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to press home their demand.

They also asked the Central Regional Security Council (CRSEC) to place a ban on this year's celebration of the Fetu Afahye festival until a suit challenging the nomination and installation of the Chief has been resolved.

The group presented a 13-point petition to President Jerry John Rawlings through the Central Regional Minister, Mr Jacob Authur.

The petition signed by 34 leaders of the faction was copied to the media, the CRSEC, the Regional Police Commander and the Ghana Bar Association.

It noted that the lineage of the Omanhene, which is the prime qualification for instalment is in question and said that his nomination and installation has been challenged and has been pending before the Regional House Of Chiefs for the past two years.

The petition noted that even though a motion for injunction restraining Osabarima Kwesi Atta from holding himself as Omanhene has also been filed, he continues to attend functions in that capacity.

According to them, the Omanhene is facing three contempt suits at a Cape Coast High Court and expressed regret that although they have for the past two years sought a peaceful resolution of the case they have met with "inferences, pressures and influences from political and judicial sectors".

They alleged that the issue is being politicised with the involvement of the National Democratic Congress and warned that the situation could generate into violence if not checked.

They urged the President to use his good offices to have the issue resolved expediently to ensure peace in the area.