Abetifihene Nana Akyeamfour Asiedu Agyeman III has reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Kwahu following a near-violent incident on Thursday morning, when alleged thugs, reportedly led by one Nana Yaa Asantewaa, a self-proclaimed Abrewatia of Kwahu attempted to destool him from his position.
Nana Akyeamfour, who also serves as Kwahu Adontenhene, addressed the matter in a gathering at the Abetifi-Kwahu Palace on Saturday, November 9.
Recalling the incident, Nana Akyeamfour expressed his shock and unpreparedness for the attack.
“I was taken by surprise. I had not anticipated anything like this happening to me. I later found myself in a house, sitting in front of one Yaa Asantewaa. Those who attacked me were not even indigenous Kwahu people,” he recounted.
According to Nana Akyeamfour, Nana Yaa Asantewaa had first appeared to him two years ago during his 30th-anniversary celebration, claiming ownership over Kwahu and even all of Ghana.
She later sought a court injunction against his anniversary celebrations, which was subsequently dismissed. He alleged she had also seized some ancestral black stools, claiming they belonged to her family, despite Abetifi Palace and the Koranteng Agyemang family being distinct from her Deekumi family.
Nana Akyeamfour expressed his gratitude to the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, for their support in resolving the incident.
He reiterated his dedication to upholding the integrity of the Kwahu Traditional Area. “I was chosen as Abetifihene and later given authority as Kwahu Adontenhene. I’m here with good intentions, and my commitment to serve Kwahuman remains strong,” he affirmed.
Nana Opoku Mintah II, Chief of Kwahu-Tafo and Twafohene of Kwahu Traditional Area warned that such actions would not be tolerated again, describing the incident as a direct affront to Kwahu’s chieftaincy and Ghana’s traditional system.
“For those who undermine our leaders and attack chiefs through unconstitutional means, the law should hold them accountable,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Chairman Mr. Jeffrey Konadu Addo expressed intentions to take strong action to prevent similar incidents in the future, and Kwahu Hemaa Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III warned of severe consequences for any attempts to replicate Thursday’s disturbances.
Suspect Dies in Hospital
Among those arrested was a suspect who passed away while receiving treatment at Holy Family Hospital in Nkawkaw on Friday, November 8. He was one of six people apprehended at the Abetifi Palace following Thursday’s clashes. The deceased and five others were injured in the incident, with two elderly men reportedly attacked by outraged youth as they supported Nana Yaa Asantewaa’s destoolment attempt.
Nana Yaa Asantewaa, believed to be the mastermind behind the events, was detained after allegedly capturing Abetifihene Nana Akyeamfour Asiedu Agyeman III at his palace.
Suspects Remanded
A total of 26 suspects, including Nana Yaa Asantewaa, appeared before the Mpraeso Circuit Court on Friday, November 8. Presided over by Her Ladyship Adwoa Akyemaa Ofosua, the court remanded the suspects in custody to reappear on Thursday, November 14.
