Some chiefs from Eastern Nzema Traditional area have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to immediately address the protracted chieftaincy row in the area.
They want the same energy the President and the security agencies are using in ensuring peace in Bawku be replicated in the Eastern Nzema chieftaincy dispute, in order to restore peace in the area.
Their call follows the anticipated arrival of the gazetted Omanhene of the area, His Royal Majesty Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III.
Addressing a news conference in Accra on Thursday, May 7, 2026 Nana Enu Kpanyinli Annor Amihere, speaking on behalf of the gazetted Omanhene, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III noted that there is rising tension in the area and only the President and the IGP’s intervention will de-escalate the situation.
He attributed the protracted chieftaincy dispute to political interference, insisting that some ministers of state have taken sides in the matter and thrown their weight behind one Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton, who the chiefs claim is not gazetted.
He said Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, who is officially gazetted is currently abroad, in what he described as security exile, following an alleged attack at Atuabo Royal Palace late last year.
He noted that state actions appear to contradict established legal processes governing chieftaincy matters, describing the situation as worrying and needed immediate intervention by the President.
He alleged that the ungazetted chief, who is subject to a court injunction restraining him from acting as Omanhene, is currently enjoying state security protection and occupying the Atuabo Palace.
Besides, he is also enjoying recognition by government officials from the Western Region, a situation, he noted, contradicts the President’s avowed stance when he addressed the Bawku Chieftaincy dispute.
He invoked past statements by President John Dramani Mahama on the need to recognise only gazetted chiefs, suggesting that current developments appear to contradict that position.
“President Mahama’s intervention in Bawku ended the bloodshed after 119 lives were lost. In Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, his government is doing the opposite”, he revealed.
He added, “We have a minister of state who sits with our gazetted Omanhene when President Mahama is present.
“The same Minister recognises Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton as Omanhene at durbars when the President is absent. This is double standards”.
He described the situation as troubling, claiming state institutions appear to be taking sides in a dispute that is before traditional and legal bodies.
Nana Annor Amihere, who is also the Adviser to the gazetted Omanhene, said Mr. Aka Flanton’s status as Omanhene remains in dispute, pointing to ongoing legal processes, including an injunction from the Western Region House of Chiefs.
“Some chiefs have tried to mediate the issue, but has ended nowhere because of political machinations”, he stressed.
Nana Annor Amihere was joined by about fourteen chiefs, including some Queenmothers from the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area. They include Nana Kwamina Bentum III, Chief of Salma, Nana Nwia Etease VI, Chief of Baku, Obaahemaa of Baku, Nana Obo Atta Kukuamoa IV, Chief of Amanful, Takoradi and Krontihene of Ahanta, Chief of Nkontompo, and Obadomaanom from Ahanta.
They also want all political appointees to exercise neutrality and uphold the rule of law in the protracted chieftaincy dispute, further urging the security agencies to avoid actions that may be perceived as taking sides in the matters by endorsing one faction over another.
The Chief of Takoradi, Nana Obo Atta Kukuamoa IV, on his part said the matter is a national issue which demands national attention.
“The matter is very important because of the oil resources within the jurisdiction of Eastern Nzema. Because of this, the matter now is a national issue, which demands immediate national attention. We can’t afford another Bawku”, he underscored.
By Stephen Larbi
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The post Chieftaincy Time Bomb Ticking In Nzema East appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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