Mo Traditional Council denies Nkoranzahene claims, insists Pedia-Yam Festival will go ahead as planned

The Mo Traditional Council has reacted to alleged tensions with the Nkoranza Traditional Council, following an earlier address by Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, Omanhene of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, and Nana Awiti Kuffour, Chief of Nnwoase in Kintampo.

Nana Kwame Baffoe IV had warned guests not to attend the Mo Kingdom’s upcoming Pedia/Yam festival, citing an alleged court injunction against Mo leaders. However, the Mo Kingdom, under the leadership of Nana Kwaku Dankwah III, has denied any such injunction exists. Nana Dankwah III at a press conference on Thursday, September 26, 2024, reassured the public that the festival, slated for October 4-6, 2024, will proceed as planned. The event he stressed, is expected to foster unity among the Mo people and support the development of the Mo region, which has long been affected by chieftaincy disputes.

The Mo Traditional Council insisted that the festival will take place on Mo territory, specifically at the Presbyterian school park in Kintampo, and not on Nkoranza lands, as Nana Kwame Baffoe IV claimed. They urged guests to disregard the misleading statements from Nkoranza officials and confirmed that preparations for the festival are well underway.

Furthermore, the Mo Kingdom acknowledged a pending legal case related to a chieftaincy dispute but clarified that the filing of an injunction does not prevent a chief from performing their official duties unless they are formally destooled. Nana Dankwah III expressed confidence in the legal process and emphasized the Mo leadership’s commitment to moving forward with the festival as planned.

This Pedia/Yam festival is seen as a key cultural event for the Mo people, showcasing their rich heritage while promoting peace, unity, and progress within the Mo region.

Read their full response below;

IN RESPONSE TO A PURPORTED FRIVOLOUS INJUNCTION APPLICATION BY NKORANZA MANHENE

* Per the Laws of Ghana, no Chief in Ghana can be stopped or Injuncted whilst performing his legitimate Customary and Traditional rites

* His Injunction Application has only been filed but not granted by the court

* His Purported Frivolous Injunction Application seeks an Injunction on the celebration of any festival in Kintampo in the Nkoranza Traditional Area. Meanwhile Kintampo is never and can never be under Nkoranza Traditional Area but rather under Mo Traditional Area

* Nkoranzahene is estopped by his conduct when he conceded to allocate an entirely different venue for Nana Fanyinama when the latter was prevented by Mo Manhene last year from celebrating his annual Benkadi Festival on Mo Lands

* The purported claim by Nana Awiti Kuffour (a sub under Nkoranzahene) that he has a gazette as Kintampohene as far back as 18/05/1979 was rendered impotent, null and void soon after the 1979 constitution which came into effect sometime in September 1979 and remains impotent under the fourth Republican Constitution as a government recognition is not a precondition for becoming a chief. The authority to appoint is vested in kingmakers in accordance with the customs and practices of the people.

We are by this notice making it emphatically clear that, our impending Pedia Yam Festival slated for October 4 to 6 is taking place in Kintampo by the grace of God whether rain or shine.

Thanks so much and God bless Mo Traditional Council.

Signed ………………….

Nana Kwaku Busi GbereYaw II

For Mo Manhene