Re: President of Gbese Traditional Council swears in three new chiefs, elders
The Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We, Obese Sonmenaa, has emphasised that Lionel Nii Nertey Nettey, whose customary name is Asafoatse Christopher Bradford Nettey V remains the only recognised Asafoatse of Gbese.
The emphasis of Asafoatse Christopher Bradford Nettey V as the only recognised Asafoatse of Gbese which was contained in a rejoinder by the Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We, Obese Sonmenaa, follows a publication in the Ghanaian Times on March 4, 2025 on the appointment of Mr Emmanuel Tetteh Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese.
It explained that the Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We and the Head of the Nii Doku We before July 6, 2024 in accordance with the custom, practices, and usage of the Gbese duly nominated and appointed Lionel Nii Nertey Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese.
Also, the Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We said that the entire Gbese stool, including Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Nii Okai Kasablofo V, Nii Ayi Ardayfio II, and Nii Okai Tagoe were duly notified and accepted the customary token before the appointment of Asafoatse Nettey V.
While emphasising that Lionel Nii Nertey Nettey remained the only recognised Asafoatse of Gbese, the Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We indicated that the said appointment of Mr Emmanuel Tetteh Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese was without their consent and concurrence, and was also contrary to the customs, practice and usage of the Gbese.
According to them, the Gbese Stool could not appoint a new Asafoatse as it had already accepted the customary token and appointed Lionel Nii Nertey Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese.
Additionally, Principal Elders of the Nii Doku We of Gbese Sonmenaa noted that the Nii Doku We of the Gbese Sonmenaa was the only family recognised by the custom, practices and usage of Gbese to nominate, appoint or elect an Asafoatse for Gbese.
It has, therefore, urged the general public to disregard the publication by the Ghanaian Times identifying Mr Emmanuel Tetteh Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese.
“The Principal Elders of Gbese Sonmenaa wish to state categorically that they do not know and have NOT appointed the said Emmanuel Tetteh Nettey as the Asafoatse of Gbese.
We state with no uncertainty that there is only one Nii Doku We of Gbese Sonmenaa and all the various Quarters of the family, including the Swalaba Quarter (Asafoatse Christopher Brandford Nettey Quarter) are under the leadership of the Principal Elder of the Nii Doku We. No Quarter of the Nii Doku We can usurp the power and authority of the Principal Head of family”, the rejoinder said.
“We hereby state that the publication of the purported appointment of Emmanuel Tetteh Nettey by the Gbese Stool was an act in error, ultra vires and a calculated attempt by Nii Ayi -Bonte II and his Dzaase to bring disunity within the Nii Doku We of Gbese Sonmenaa and Gbese as a whole”, it continued.
“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the said publication dated the 4th day of March, 2025 and treat same with the contempt it deserves”, the rejoinder added.
