Diaso Gyaasehene vows to protect River Dia after 70-year stool vacancy

The newly installed Gyaasehene of the Denkyira Diaso Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Benim, has pledged to champion environmental protection in Diaso and its surrounding communities, expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of River Dia and other water bodies in the Upper Denkyira West District.

Nana Kwaku Benim, formerly Opanin Kwame Oduro Berima, made the commitment after being sworn into office over the weekend, filling a traditional stool that had reportedly remained vacant for 70 years.

He called on chiefs, traditional authorities and residents to support efforts to protect the environment, particularly River Dia, which he described as a source of pride for Diaso and the wider Upper Denkyira area.

“I promise this day to keep the Diaso environment safe and clean. We should reflect on the current sorry state of River Dia, the pride of Diaso and Upper Denkyira,” he said.

The newly installed chief said protecting the environment was a shared responsibility and urged the present generation to preserve the community’s natural resources for future generations.

He stressed that traditional authorities had a role to play in ensuring that the environment remained clean, healthy and useful to humanity, adding that safeguarding rivers and other water bodies should be a collective priority.

Nana Kwaku Benim's installation marks the end of a reported seven-decade vacancy in the Gyaase stool of the Denkyira Diaso Traditional Council. The Gyaasehene traditionally assists with palace administration, the management and protection of stool properties and regalia, and the observance of customary practices.

The installation ceremony brought together chiefs and traditional leaders from the Denkyira Traditional Council, including Nana Opong Kyekyeku, Chief of Denkyira Tutuampa, and Nana Ampofi II, Chief of Denkyira Faman, alongside other dignitaries.

The occasion was marked by traditional drumming, dancing and celebrations, particularly among members of the Asona clan in Diaso and its surrounding communities.

Welcoming Nana Kwaku Benim, the Chief of the Diaso Traditional Council, Odeneho Agya-Ameyaw, expressed appreciation to the Asona clan and the Denkyira Traditional Council for their role in making the installation possible.

He also commended the new Gyaasehene for his commitment to protecting River Dia and promoting peace in the area.

Odeneho Agya-Ameyaw said he was confident in Nana Kwaku Benim’s ability to contribute to the development of Diaso, explaining that he had accepted him into his traditional leadership structure to support efforts to improve the community and its surrounding areas.

Other chiefs at the ceremony urged the new Gyaasehene and the Diaso chief to take an active role in community development, stressing that the responsibility should not rest solely on the government.

They encouraged traditional authorities and residents to work together to address local development challenges and improve conditions in their communities.

Nana Kwaku Benim's pledge to protect River Dia now places environmental conservation among the key issues facing the traditional leadership, with the condition of the river serving as a call for stronger community participation in protecting local water resources.