Durbar held to seal Akuapem re-unification
A grand durbar has been held at Akropong in the Eastern Region to seal the re-unification process of the Akuapem Traditional Area.
Advertisement
The durbar, held last Wednesday, was attended by all the five divisional chiefs of the traditional area who severed relationship with Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, the Paramount Chief of the area 20 years ago because of a number of grievances.
They are Nana Otutu Kono, the Chief of Adukrom, who is also the Nifahene; Nana Asiedu Okoo, the Benkumhene and Chief of Larteh, and Otoobuor Gyan Kwasi, the Aburihene who doubles as the Adontenhene of the traditional area.
The rest are Osahene Offei Kwasi Agyeman, the Krontihene and Chief of Akropong, and Nana Osim Kwatia, the Gyasehene and Chief of Amanokrom.
Also in attendance were all the sub-chiefs of Akuapem and some dignitaries including the Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs and Culture, Dr Seidu Danaa and the Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Helen Adjoa Ntoso.
Allegiance
Nana Otutu Kono and Nana Asiedu Okoo, who were installed as chiefs during the period of the crisis and, therefore, did not swear the oath of allegiance to the omanhene took turns to do so to the Akuapem overlord who sat in state, surrounded by his retinue.
That was after the two chiefs had each presented drinks, a sheep and cash, in accordance with tradition to the Okuapehene and Okuapeman.
Otoobuor Gyan Kwasi did not swear the oath of allegiance because he had done so 25 years ago during his installation as chief before severing relations with the paramountcy but he affirmed his resolve to serve Oseadeeyo.
Osahene Kwasi Agyeman then addressed the gathering and expressed his happiness that the crisis had been resolved, adding “Never again should Akuapem go through such a terrible experience.”
Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa
In a brief statement, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa, who spoke through one of his courtiers, Opanyin Amoako Yirenkyi, recalled that efforts were made to resolve the dispute as soon as it occurred but they had been unsuccessful until now.
He thanked President John Mahama and the Eastern Regional Minister for their immense contributions that had culminated in the re-unification of Akuapem.
Dr Danaa
Dr Danaa, in a brief address, stressed the significance of chieftaincy to the development of the nation and asked traditional areas with chieftaincy disputes to emulate the Akuapem example.