STC announces internal mediation process to resolve succession dispute
The Sunyani Traditional Council (STC) in the Bono Region has announced internal mediation process to resolve the ongoing succession dispute over who should succeed the late Omanhene, Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri, who died in 2023.
According to the Adontenhene of the Council, Nana Boadi Akrofa, the raging dispute was a family one and that efforts were underway to resolve the matter to bring lasting peace to the traditional area.
He explained that in any chieftaincy dispute there was a channel to follow to resolve the issue in order not to escalate matters so as to achieve lasting peace.
“If the ongoing issues had occurred in other places, one could have imagined what would have happened. But we thank God we have not recorded any bloodshed, and Sunyani remain calm and peaceful,” the Adontenhene stated.
The chief was speaking during the Council’s meeting held on Friday here in Sunyani.
He also cautioned the kingmakers and elders of the council to be circumspect in their utterances and speak to the facts of the issue in order not to destroy themselves to the public.
There is fierce disagreement between the queenmother of the Council, Nana Akosua Asor Dua Brayie, and the acting president of the house Nana Kwaku Sarbeng over who should be the next Omanhene of Sunyani.
This disagreement has led to serious divisions within the transitional Council with some members supporting the queenmother while others backed the acting president, Nana Kwaku Sarbeng.
As a result of this conflict two eligible individuals have been enstooled separately as Omanhene of Sunyani: Yaw Agyare whose stool name is Odeefor Ogyeamansan, was installed and backed by the Akwamuhene, while Kofi Manu Adom received support from Abusuapanyin.
However, the queenmother in an interview with Ark FM Radio Station in Sunyani indicated that plans were underway to install a rightful successor with assistance from the kingmakers. If successful, this would result in three acclaimed chiefs for the area.
The kingmakers of STC consists of Akwamuhene, Twafohene, Adontenhene, Berekumhene, Nifahene, Kyidomhene and Krontinene
However, in a press release signed by the acting president, indicated that due to circumstances beyond their control the Kyidomhene and Krontinene were not part of the vetting process.
He emphasised that the selection process adhered to customs and traditions of the Sunyani people.
Yaw Agyare, 46 years old, was among six candidates presented by the queemother and met all criteria to be recognised as the paramount chief of the traditional area.
Ghanaian Times sources suggested that Agyare’s selection by the kingmakers did not sit well with the queemother, hence her opposition to his installation.
Although she presented all names to the vetting committee (kingmakers) Agyare was unanimously chosen as the most suitable candidate.
In another press release signed by the Akwamuhene, it said Nana Akosua Asor Dua Brayie stated that she presented seven names for consideration including Yaw Agyare and Kofi Manu Adom.
She confirmed that all seven individuals were qualified for vetting and hailed from the three gates of Nana Akosua Dua, Nana Amma Biani and Nana kwantwiwaa, all from the lineage of the Boahene korkor family.
The kingmakers expressed surprise over why she failed to accept their chosen candidate and proceeded to install Yaw Agyare as the substantive paramount chief of Sunyani.
They asserted that all actions were taken by the chieftaincy Act Ll 1972(2010) and the declaration of customary law by the Sunyani Traditional Council instrument.
Mr Agyare was officially installed as the paramount chief of Sunyani Traditional area at the old Sunyani Palace with the stool name, Nana Odeefor Okogyeansan Boahene Korkor ll.
Although, the queenmother has petition the Bono Regional House of chiefs to injunct Yaw Agyare from carrying himself as the Omanhene of Sunyani, but that injunction was yet to be granted by the House of chiefs as at the time filing this report.
FROM DANIEL DZIRASAH, SUNYANI
