The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has quelled a potential chieftaincy crisis by making a decisive declaration in the matter of the occupancy of the Kyebi Zango Chieftaincy Stool.
The venerable Okyenhene, upon consultation with his council of elders, confirmed Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, a 59-year-old tutor at the Abuakwa State College, as the rightful occupant of the stool, putting an end to a dispute that threatened to blow up into a full crisis.
Following the death of the then Zango Chief, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, in October this year, two claimants – a 37-year-old son of the late chief, Jamal Abubakar, and Alhaji Mohammed – put themselves forward as the rightful heirs to succeed the late chief, who reigned for 35 years.
The rivalry between the two claimants had been so intense that some community members feared it could escalate into a wider conflict that could rope in various factions, including families and the youth.
Amid the suspense over the past two months since the passing of the former chief, the Kyebi Zango community held its breath in uncertainty.
In view of that, the Okyenhene invited the two claimants, together with the elders of the Zango community, to the settlement of the impasse.
Impasse resolution
At the Ofori Panin Fie at Kyebi, the seat of the Akyem Abuakwa Paramountcy, on Monday, December 8, 2025, Osagyefuo Ofori Panin, together with his council of elders, resolved the impasse peacefully and declared Alhaji Mohammed as the rightful occupant of the stool.
Alhaji Mohammed was overwhelmingly accepted to be the next Kyebi Zango Chief.
Police presence
Although the meeting was peaceful, there was a heavy police presence in the area to deal with any skirmishes that could lead to violence.
After the proceedings, the Okyenhene told the people of the Zango to put their differences behind them and instead live together in peace and harmony.
He said that was the only way to accelerate the development of the Zango and the entire Kyebi township.
According to the Okyenhene, the new chief was the second in command during the reign of the late chief; hence, it was appropriate to allow him to succeed the deceased chief.
Right candidate
The Okyenhene further explained that Alhaji Mohammed was the best and at the same time the right candidate who could champion the interests of both Akyem Abuakwa and the Kyebi Zango community.
He stated that Alhaji Mohammed was admired by many in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, and also possessed leadership qualities and qualifications in addition to various important experiences.
The Okyenhene directed the kingmakers to immediately proceed to perform all the necessary rites to officially enstool Alhaji Mohammed.
Alhaji Mohammed, expressing profound excitement about the outcome of the deliberations at the Okyenhene’s palace, said he was not the victor, but rather the Zango community and the entire Kyebi township were the winners.
He gave an assurance that there would not be any disturbances during his leadership and that he would always uphold peace and unity among his people in the community.
Alhaji Mohammed called for unity to promote the development of the Zango community, and commended the Okyenhene and his council of elders for resolving the dispute.
Writer's email:haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh
