Nzema Chiefs bare teeth at government over chieftaincy dispute

Tensions are escalating in the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area as some chiefs aligned with the gazetted Omanhene have publicly criticised the government, accusing political appointees of interfering in the area’s protracted chieftaincy dispute.

At a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Nana Enu Kpanyinli Annor Amihere, speaking on behalf of the gazetted Omanhene, His Royal Majesty Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, accused some government officials of fuelling confusion and undermining due process in the matter.

According to him, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, who is officially gazetted, is currently outside the country in what he described as “security exile” following an alleged attack at the Atuabo Royal Palace late last year.

Nana Annor Amihere criticised what he described as political interference in traditional affairs, warning that the actions of some state officials risk worsening tensions within the traditional area.

He argued that certain actions by political appointees appear to contradict established legal and customary processes governing chieftaincy disputes.

The adviser to the gazetted Omanhene alleged that the Western Regional Minister facilitated police protection for a rival claimant, Berenger Aka Flanton, whom he claimed is not gazetted and is currently restrained by a court injunction from acting as Omanhene.

He also accused the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, of what he described as double standards in handling the matter.

“The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, who is the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, sits with our gazetted Omanhene when President Mahama is present. The same minister recognises Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton as Omanhene at durbars when the President is absent,” he alleged.

Nana Annor Amihere described the situation as troubling, insisting that state institutions appear to be taking sides in a dispute that remains before both traditional and legal authorities.

He further maintained that Aka Flanton’s status as Omanhene remains contested and referenced ongoing legal proceedings, including an injunction from the Western Regional House of Chiefs.

Surrounded by about fourteen chiefs and queen mothers from the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, Nana Annor Amihere also questioned the State’s decision to discontinue a case linked to the installation of the rival claimant, describing it as inconsistent with the rule of law.

Some of the chiefs present at the press conference included Nana Kwamina Bentum III, Chief of Salma; Nana Nwia Etease VI, Chief of Baku; the Obaahemaa of Baku; Nana Obo Atta Kukuamoa IV, Chief of Amanful, Takoradi and Krontihene of Ahanta; the Chief of Nkontompo; and several traditional leaders from Ahanta.

Nana Annor Amihere warned that the situation could escalate if not handled carefully, stressing that chieftaincy disputes should be resolved strictly through lawful and traditional mechanisms without political interference.

He also referenced past comments by President John Dramani Mahama on the need to recognise only gazetted chiefs, suggesting that current developments appear inconsistent with that position.

“President Mahama’s intervention in Bawku ended bloodshed after 119 lives were lost. In the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, his government is doing the opposite,” he claimed.

The chiefs are therefore calling on President Mahama and the Inspector General of Police, Christian Yohunu, to urgently intervene and help address the long-standing dispute ahead of the anticipated return of the gazetted Omanhene, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III.

They also appealed to all political appointees to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law, while urging security agencies to avoid actions that could be perceived as endorsing one faction over another in the ongoing dispute.





President Mahama reacts to Trump White House shooting incident

'I have forgiven her' — Pentecost Chairman responds to Dr Mary Awusi