The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has demanded an apology from Linda Ahenkora, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akyemansa District in the Eastern Region, over an alleged intrusion into chieftaincy affairs. The council has directed Ahenkora to withdraw a July 7, 2026 letter that it claims confers paramountcy status on the Etwereso Stool.
Akyem Abuakwa Council Accuses DCE of Secessionism
The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has written to Ahenkora, accusing her of aligning herself with Etweresohene Ofosu Kwabi, whom it describes as a “secessionist”. The council claims that the DCE unlawfully recognised and elevated Ofosu Kwabi to traditional council status without seeking clarification from the Ofori Panin Fie.
In a letter dated August 12, 2026, the council stated that the administration, registration, and recognition of chiefs are matters entrusted to constitutionally and legally established chieftaincy institutions, rather than Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). It argued that a DCE cannot confer chieftaincy titles, determine disputed customary status, confer paramount ranks, and decide the allegiance of chiefs by an unlawful exercise of executive fiat.
Chieftaincy Law and the Constitution
The council cited Article 270(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which it says prohibits even Parliament from enacting laws that confer on any person or authority the power to recognise or withdraw recognition from a chief, or otherwise undermine the dignity of the institution of chieftaincy. It maintained that its position on the status of the Etweresohene remains unchanged, stressing that the Etwereso Stool is a sub-stool of the Benkum Division of the Ofori Panin Stool.
The council clarified that it had not appointed a regent for the Etwereso Stool. It explained that a purported appointment of a regent was an inadvertent omission which was corrected after the matter was brought to the attention of the chiefs at a State Council meeting.
Consequences of Failure to Comply
The chiefs have warned that failure by the Akyemansa DCE to withdraw the letter and apologise will result in the matter being escalated to the appropriate authorities. This development is likely to have significant implications for the relationship between the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and the Akyemansa District Assembly.
The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council's demand for an apology and withdrawal of the letter is a clear indication of its commitment to upholding the dignity of the institution of chieftaincy. The council's stance on this issue is likely to resonate with many Ghanaians who are concerned about the erosion of traditional authority and the undermining of the chieftaincy institution.
The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council's warning to the Akyemansa DCE is a clear indication that it will not hesitate to take action to protect its interests and uphold the dignity of the institution of chieftaincy. The outcome of this development will be closely watched by many, particularly those who are interested in the relationship between traditional authority and the state in Ghana.
Source: Joy Online
