Pokuase in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, went on what can best be described as ‘mixed mission’ between June 15 – 18 2023, when the entire township led by the Dzaasetse, Nii Ofei Nkwantabisa IV, the wulormor Nii Gbelenfo, Priestesses, Chief makers, and Elders of the town held an elaborate ceremony to lift the ban on drumming and noise making imposed about a month ago.
ELECTION OF NEW SUB-CHIEFS LEADERS
Then on June 16, the leadership of the town held yet another grand ceremony that ate deep into the night. This involved the ‘arrest’ of new sub – chiefs and leaders for the town. About 11 of such chiefs and leaders including a female as well as Dr. Rockson Adu Boahen a parliamentary aspirant hopeful for the Offinso North constituency were among the list. Amidst the pouring of libations, the slaughtering of a number of white fowls and sheeps, chanting of war songs by the Asafo group, firing of arms, the ‘arrested’ chiefs and leaders were detained for three days before they were released.
DISTOOLMENT OF OLD CHIEF, ENSTOOLMENT OF NEW ONE
Then on June 18, another ceremony that took place with a new twist as the old chief of the town Nii Otto Kwame V was destooled and a new one, Nii Dodoo Klotey was enstooled in his stead.
CHARGES FOR DISTOOLMENT
Among the numerous charges leveled against Nii Otto Kwame V were that he had reneged on his duties as a chief, thus failing to attend to his people as well as the palace in gross violation of his own oath, that since he failed to attend unto the people, he should be slaughtered.
Also, Nii Otto Kwame V had exhibited gross disrespect for the family head, elders of the palace and entire populace of Pokuase and its jurisdiction. Also, for over two years he has not set foot in the palace except last year when he had to be implored to come and sprinkle that year’s “Kpekpele”
ADDING INSULTS TO INJURY
King makers of the town argued that as if the above charges were not enough, Nii Otto Kwame V also added insults to injury by testifying against the family in court, in a land case while hopping from one radio station to another to denounce every ceremony taking place at the palace and in the town; including the recent lifting of the ban of drumming and noise making.
In fact, he is alleged to have reported the elders of the town to the Police of his personal perceived violence on that occasion, and but for the timely intervention of the elders the ceremony would have been turned outside down.
‘As if radio station is your palace where you exercise your chiefly powers,’ observed Dzaasetse Nii Kwantabisa IV.
OUTDOORING OF CHIEFS
On Sunday, June 18, 2023, the ‘detained’ chiefs, leaders and new chief Nii Dodoo Klotey were all released. Clad in white they were addressed and advised by Nii Dzaase, the wulomo, the priestesses, Kingmakers and all people around to live up to expectation and not let the people down.
A date is yet to be fixed for their official inauguration and proper outdooring
By S. O. Ankamah