Kwahuhene has not been destooled - Statement

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Oct - 19 - 2024 , 22:24

The Office of the Kwahuhene has reacted to a video in circulation claiming that Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong Il has been destooled as a paramount chief.

In a statement dated October 19, 2024 and signed by Nana J.K. Boadi, it was explained that the video footage claiming to depict a "destoolment procedure is not only false, but also contravenes both legal standards and Kwahu customs."

It stated that "no formal charges have ever been brought against the Kwahuhene that would justify any destoolment process. Furthermore, he has not been found liable of any misconduct related to his role as Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Development Bank."

What is the issue with ADB?

On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, resigned as the Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB).

It followed a directive by the Bank of Ghana for him to do so after a director and shareholder of Prabhat Trading LTD, Collins Darkwa Aboagye, petitioned the Office of the President pleading for presidential intervention to help retrieve GH¢2.406 million owed him by the then ADB board chairman.

After receiving a copy of the petition, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) on October 10, 2024 directed Daasebre Agyapong to immediately resign and hand over in accordance with Section 103(2)(d) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

The BoG maintained that the Kwahumanhene’s continuous holding of office as a director of the bank was becoming untenable due to the irreparable damage the events had caused the image of ADB.

*The chiefs who performed the said destoolment of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II on Saturday morning (Oct 19)*

On Saturday morning (October 19, 2024), the chiefs [see video attached below] performed some rites and said it was a sign Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II has been destooled.

Kwahuhene has not been destooled - Statement https://t.co/LEQnud7HYV pic.twitter.com/PNX791aAJ3
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) October 19, 2024

Statement from Daasebre's office

However in the press statement from the Esono Gyimah Mampong Agyei Palace, it was explained that "the demand for his [Daasebre] resignation by the Banking Supervision Division of the Bank of Ghana came without prior opportunity for the Kwahuhene to respond to the allegations, which raises concerns about due process.

In light of these events, the Kwahuhene chose to step aside to allow for an appropriate resolution of the matter.

However, it is perplexing that, despite the absence of any findings against Daasebre, a video falsely suggesting his destoolment is being circulated, it added.

Below is a full copy of the statement

RE: PURPORTED DESTOOLMENT OF K WAHUHENE

The office of the Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area wishes to clarify that, Kwahuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong Il has not been destooled.

Recent video footage claiming to depict a destoolment procedure is not only false, but also contravenes both legal standards and Kwahu customs.

The dissemination of this misleading video on social media and selected WhatsApp group pages, particularly among known politicians, constitutes an attack on the rich heritage and traditions of Kwahu.

It is important to emphasize that, no formal charges have ever been brought against the Kwahuhene that would justify any destoolment process.

Furthermore, he has not been found liable of any misconduct related to his role as Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Development Bank.

The demand for his resignation by the Banking Supervision Division of the Bank of Ghana came without prior opportunity for the Kwahuhene to respond to the allegations, which raises concerns about due process.

In light of these events, the Kwahuhene chose to step aside to allow for an appropriate resolution of the matter.

However, it is perplexing that, despite the absence of any findings against Daasebre, a video falsely suggesting his destoolment is being circulated.

We urge the good people of Kwahu and subjects of the Esono Gymah Mampong Agyei Stool to remain calm and steadfast in support of the Paramountcy.

The actions of individuals attempting to tarnish the reputation of Kwahuman and the Kwahuhene without proper hearings should not be tolerated.

Kwahuhene Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong Il reaffirms his dedication to serving Kwahuman and to protect the integrity of our heritage.