Sunyani Traditional Council suspends queenmother over installation of chief

The succession dispute in the Sunyani Traditional Area has taken a dramatic turn with the suspension of the Queenmother, Nana Akosua Dua Asor Sika Brayie II, indefinitely.

The Sunyani Traditional Council, which has suspended the queenmother with immediate effect, has also banned her from engaging in any public activity on behalf of the traditional council.

This follows her alleged involvement in the enstoolment of Dr Osei Tutu as Omanhene of the Sunyani Traditional Area to succeed the late Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, who died in July 2022 and was buried in April 2024.

Caution

At a press conference, the acting President of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng Ababio II, cautioned the public and institutions, particularly the media, against engaging her in any capacity related to her role as queenmother until further notice.

"The Nananom of the Sunyani Traditional Area/Council hereby inform all state institutions, the media, and the general public that Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Brayie II has been suspended indefinitely from her position as the Paramount Queenmother of Sunyani," he said.

Nana Ababio, who is also the Akwamuhene, urged all concerned parties to treat the communiqué with the utmost urgency and seriousness, as it reflected the commitment of Nananom to the integrity of their traditional leadership.

Monday incident

It was alleged that the suspended queenmother at dawn last Monday used some "macho men" in her bid to overpower the private security personnel at the Sunyani Old Palace to pave the way for the installation of her preferred candidate after the traditional council had already installed Odeefuor Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II as a successor of the late Nana Asor Nkrawiri.

However, the private security at the palace was said to have foiled the attack as they overpowered their attackers after several exchanges of gunshots.

The source said when the queenmother's security failed to capture the palace, she rather installed the supposed chief at her private residence at Baakoniaba.

The suspended queenmother was said to have enstooled a 63-year-old American-based Doctor of Physical Therapy, Dr Osei Tutu, who was given the stool name Ofentemfrem Omenasono Dr Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri III.

Nana Ababio explained: "What transpired is a clear affront to our customs and traditions, bringing public ridicule upon the Boahen Korkor Stool." 

Threat

Nana Ababio said her disrespectful conduct towards the Boahen Korkor Stool was not only disheartening but also posed a significant threat to the dignity and respect that the traditional leadership embodied.

"This behaviour undermines the integrity of our leadership and affects the very fabric of our community," he said.

Nana Ababio emphasised that there was only one recognised chief in the Sunyani Traditional Area.

"There is no other chief in the Sunyani Traditional Area other than Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II.

"This has been affirmed by the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, which dismissed the interlocutory injunction filed by the Queenmother of Sunyani, Nana Akosua Duaa Asor Sika Brayie II on April 8, 2025," he said.

Nana Ababio said Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor embodied the qualities of a true leader, peacemaker, consultative and cooperative.

He said he had made efforts to bring together all factions, including those who opposed him during his installation. 

Illegal, tradition  

Nana Ababio described the installation of Dr Osei Tutu as illegal and unfounded.

He explained that Dr Tutu was among the seven aspirants for the Sunyani stool, but was rejected by the kingmakers due to his inability to demonstrate knowledge of his lineage.
Nana Ababio said the queenmother had no authority to appoint anyone as a chief.

"Recent events at Baakoniaba claiming to install an imposter are not recognised by us.

This act is not only illegal but deeply disrespectful.

"It is utterly unfortunate that the queenmother has chosen to disregard the authority of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and the Traditional Court," he said.

Nana Ababio added that her actions reflected a profound lack of respect for the established institutions, saying, "Such indiscipline will not be tolerated by the chiefs of the traditional council.

"Nananom have made a firm decision in response to these events.

We will not allow the integrity of our chieftaincy to be undermined." 

He urged the public to disregard any claim to the contrary with the utmost contempt.