Chieftaincy is seen in most African countries as one of the significant sets needed in governance.
Here in Ghana past and present governments realized the impact of chieftaincy in nation building. It was in fulfillment of this that the ruling NPP government reasoned with traditional authorities to establish the ministry of chieftaincy affairs. It has been entrusted to monitor the activities of chiefs in Ghana and also to help create congenial atmosphere in disputed areas. However it has been detected that most chiefs normally abuse powers entrusted to them leading to unprecedented conflicts with their subjects in their respective jurisdiction.
In one of such cases is uproar that erupted at Hansua/Akisimasu in the Techiman municipality of Brong Ahafo region following the awkward act exhibited by the chief of the town and some selected elders. It all started when the supposed chief with support from his counselors conspired and sold out unspecified number of plots allocated for community projects to land developers.
This created serious tension when the news got to the youths in the town. They were therefore compelled to strengthen the youth association which was by time dormant having Justice Owusu Boateng, affectionately called teacher as secretary, Mr. Baah, -chairman, Wontema – vice chairman and Osei Tutu –treasurer. The high powered delegation led by Justice stormed the palace to seek for accountability. According to the aggrieved youth the selfish act of the traditional leaders in the town has deprived them of most valuable social structures because plots meant for them have all been sold out to the affluent. It would interest social related groups to note that fuel stations, mansions, drinking spots and other commercial structures have taken over sites meant for schools, library, community centre, market, clinics, refuse dump and other necessary physical structures.
At the palace the opinion leaders retorted that they are not accountable to the youth. This statement made the youth grew wild. Without hesitation the spokespersons divulge the strange news to their members who were by then waiting patiently a few distances away from the chief’s palace. Had it not been the timely intervention of the executives the floor members would have attacked the palace with stones, clubs and other minor missiles. Even after calming tempers down they were still insisting that the chief and his people have to be molested because they are fond of engaging themselves in the act. After that unfortunate answer from the chief and his elders the youth organized series of meetings hatching different plans aim at finding out the actual motive behind the sale of those lands. At a point in time they were in hanger strike and also decided to boycott communal labour and other forms of social gatherings just to express their displeasure.
On 12th December, 2004 the youth became at the end of their thither, numbering about 150 marched straight to the chief’s palace chanting war songs. Most of them were wearing red bands to express their seriousness. At this time the elders were having a caucus meeting. The first person who went to the palace according to an eye witness was slapped severally on the cheeks. This gingered all the demonstrators who were waiting out side the palace to force their way through leading to pelting of stones, firing of warning shots and throwing of other missiles. One of the protestors died in the process. Before the action could escalate police force numbering about fifty well armed was at the scene to calm down tempers. Based on their experience they were able to succeed.
Upon advice from the Techiman traditional council an intelligent committee was established to find out the ring leaders in order words those who masterminded the demonstration. In the cause of that the committee quickly figured out Justice as the brain man. This made him sought refuge in Accra the nation’s capital. Upon the intensive work of the surveillance team he further sought asylum in far away Cyprus. Even though Justice is out of sight the police are seriously looking for him if possible arraigned him before court.
