Effah Dartey must respect the decision of the Regional House of Chiefs

In Akuapem those battling the Queenmother have an uphill task, strangely I agree with Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey on this issue completely. The history and custom of Akuapem also supports this fact.

I have been making efforts to respond to Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey and correct some of the things he puts out on Akuapem, because the Okuapehene is an Asona Akan from a ‘matriarchy stock’. I am an Akuapem who takes interest in the history of his people and watched closely the processes in the current installation.

In 2018 I wrote in an article as a response to Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey that, ‘The Banmuhene whose role we all know is not a Kingmaker and an Asona (Akyem) as Nkrabeah Effah Dartey correctly mentions. Do we have a place for strong men? Do we have a place for Busy Buddies? That I leave to Nkrabeah Effah Dartey to answer as a Lawyer. I taught we had a place for the Law, Customs, and Traditions.’

Historically, no Banmuhene has performed any Installation ceremony for an Okuapehene, and I believe it is the same for most Akans. (the current exception is against our custom)

The judgment of Nananom is out and must be followed. Let us drop the issue of a Banmuhene since I agree that it is not the subject of this debate.

It is clear that we are experiencing the current Akuapem Chieftaincy problems because things have not been done right in accordance with the long known customs and traditions of the people of Akuapem with respect to the enstoolment of Okuapemhene.

This fact is accepted by even the people who are protagonists of the current enstoolment of a new king, hence the reported efforts to render apology and the hullabaloo around it.

The Way Forward

I like the way Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey calls the Akuapem happenings ‘a Local derby among the Sakyiabea Ruling House.’ This ‘Local Derby’ was not cured by the LI 32 but has almost been cured by the current Ruling of Nananom. We may however need some clarification, and I suppose that Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey will assist us later with some further education.

What I shall challenge Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey to do is to ask his Clients to respect the decision of the Regional House of Chiefs. Where there is a disagreement, the parties should go back to Court for a resolution.