Offuman ends 11-year-old chieftaincy dispute with prayer, fasting

Offuman (B/A), April 28, GNA - The Chiefs and people of Offuman, near Techiman in Brong Ahafo have held a day's prayer and fasting session for the end of a protracted chieftaincy dispute.

The long-standing conflict was between the Queen mother, Nana Akosua Amobea and Nana Asiedu Dwamena, a contestant to the vacant stool since the death of Nana Kwasi Fah, Omanhene of Offuman Traditional Area. Stores, super markets, food vendors, farming activities as well as household activities were brought to a halt between 6 am and 6 pm as more than 3,000 residents of the town, including, Chiefs, the Clergy, opinion leaders and the youth took part in a procession accompanied by brass band music through the town.

They later converged at the market square, where they all knelt down in prayers for the amicable solution of the dispute, after which members of the two factions in the dispute embraced each other to signify the end of the conflict.

The two Assembly Members for Offuman, Mr Daniel Ofosu Boamah and Mr Osei Ahimah initiated the programme as the dispute had adversely affected the development of the area.

In an address, Mr. Isaac Osei-Antwi, Techiman Municipal Chief Executive, expressed dismay over the many chieftaincy disputes in the municipality and mentioned Aworowa, Tuobodom, and Offuman, all in Techiman North Constituency and Forikrom in the South Constituency. He said it was a shame that should fan chieftaincy disputes instead of courting peace and unity among the people.

The Chief Executive commended the clergy, opinion leaders and the two Assembly Members for their laudable role in bringing a lasting solution to the dispute, saying, its resolution would pave the way for the Assembly to support the town councils for the completion of initiated projects.

The Reverend J. A. Mankralo of the Apostolic Church, Apostle J. A. Mensah, area head of the Church of Pentecost, Rev. Father Augustine Ansu Damoah of the Catholic Church and Rev. Father Baffoe-Mensah Aborampah of the Methodist Church in sermons asked the factions to follow Jacob and his brother Essau, who were enemies but later embraced each other as a sign of forgiveness and unity.

They described the reconciliation of the Queen mother and Nana Dwamena as a shinning example for other areas with disputes to follow and to bury their differences and live in unity.

Nana Akosua Amobea promised to liaise with the traditional rulers, the clergy and the opinion leaders to get the rightful chief within two weeks.

Nana Asiedu Dwamena pledged his cooperation in the selection of a chief, saying he would accept anyone chosen by the people as the Omanhene.

Other pastors present were Pastor Ohene Assah Otu of the Church of Pentecost, Pastor Dickson Donkor of Assemblies of God Church, Pastor K. Obeng of Apostle Reformation Church, Pastor D.A. Osei, New Apostolic Church, Pastor Bismark Owusu, Deeper Life Ministry and Mr Thomas Ahimah, Director of Offuman Agricultural Project and the First Best National Farmer.