Akwamu State Council resolves dispute among divisions

The Akwamu State Council has resolved a long-standing dispute among divisions within the Akwamu State which had existed for 25 years.

Following the resolution of the disagreements, the once dormant Akwamu State Council has been revived and is uniting all former rivals in the effort to foster development in the traditional area.

These were the outcome of the relaunch of the Akwamu State Council which took place at Akwamufie in the Eastern Region.

The relaunch of the council coincided with activities marking the mini-Akwasidae celebration of the Akwamu Traditional Area.

Background

 The Yaa Ansah and the Yaa Botwe families of Akwamu were embroiled in a chieftaincy dispute following the demise of the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, in 1992.

Even though the immediate past occupant of the Akwamu Stool, Nana Ansah Sasraku, had acted as Omanhene and ruled for 18 years under seeming calmness, the installation of the current Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, who is from the Yaa Botwe Family, deepened the cracks of misunderstanding, as his legitimacy was challenged by the Yaa Ansah Family.

After a “thorough screening of all facts and evidence provided”, the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, affirmed the legitimacy of Odeneho Kwafo Akoto and that brought closure to the matter.

Implications of the dormant council

In an address at the ceremony, the Kamenahene, Otwaasuom Osae Nyampong IV, said the absence of a state council over the years had slowed down development in the traditional area because considerable resources were channeled into resolving disputes.

“For 25 years, litigation brought us underdevelopment, mistrust, hatred, bitterness, among other negative features. Akwamuman has two clear options available to us now: litigate till death or unify and enjoy the rich resources that we have been blessed with and which are gradually being encroached on by foreigners,” he said.

Involvement of the youth

The Omanhene of Akwamu, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, expressed regret over the involvement of the youth in the matter and said even though the rift began before many of them were born, some relied on “false information and as a result took partisan positions.”

He advised the youth to take advantage of the Internet and research the history of Akwamuman to help them get a better idea of their background and become motivated to contribute to the development of the area.

He urged all to put their grievances aside and unite for the sake of their future.

Otwaasuom Osae Nyampong IV (middle), Kamenahene, relaunching the Akwamu State Council. Those with him are Nana Asamoah Yeboah (2nd right), Adontenhene of Akwamu, and some other chiefs. Pictures: INNOCENT K. OWUSU

According to him, Akwamuman faced enormous challenges that required the contribution of all citizens to deal with.

Odeneho Education Fund

He stated that he had initiated the “Odeneho Education Fund” to put every needy child in school.

“As a people, we need to reconcile with one another, especially at this time when development issues such as education, health and infrastructural affect all of us in Akwamu. The more we remain divided, the more our state remains relatively poor,” he added.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Akwamuhene’s Adamtemhene (Liaison), Nana Asamoah Yeboah-Afari, said the state council would organise two meetings before celebrating the grand Akwasidae this month to “get direction on where we want to take Akwamu.”

He said the meeting, which would bring stakeholders together to share ideas, would set targets and draw short, medium and long-term plans for the Akwamu State.

“I wish to stress that all matters have indeed gone to rest and the people of Akwamu have opened a fresh page to record their successes,” Nana Yeboah-Afari stated.

Member of Parliament

The Member of Parliament (MP) for  Asuogyaman, Mr Thomas Apem Nyarko, urged Odeneho Kwafo Akoto and his elders to involve all stakeholders in activities involving Akwamuman as a means of championing the cause of development in the area.