Chief defies destoolment order

Brakwa (Central Region) - The Odikro of Brakwa and Nifahene of Ajumako Traditional Area in the Central Region, Nana Yamoah IV, has defied orders to abdicate following his suspension by the President of the Ajumako Traditional Council, Nana Kwamena Hammah Ababio II.

Nana Yamoah's suspension followed his failure to honour invitations to attend meetings of the Ajumako Traditional Council and his refusal to abide by recommendations of a mediation committee appointed by the Central Regional House of Chiefs.

The committee had asked Nana Yamoah to pacify Nana Ababio after he had been found guilty in a case he brought against the Omanhene in 1995.

Nana Yamoah is also alleged to have refused to render an apology to Nana Ababio after the Public Stool Lands Management Committee of the Central Region had found him guilty in a case he brought against the Omanhene in 1998.

Consequently, the Queenmother of Brakwa, Nana Yaa Asantewaa III, and her elders have asked Nana Yamoah to abdicate, which he has refused to do, saying a suspension does not amount to destoolment.

A release issued by the Ajumako Traditional Council and copied to the National House of Chiefs and the Chieftaincy Secretariat, stated, among other things, that Nana Yamoah had violated his traditional functions and cannot work with the Omanhene in the interest of the traditional area.

It, therefore, asked Nana Asantewaa and her kingmakers to find a suitable candidate to occupy the Nifa stool.

The release stated further that the offences committed by the Odikro amounted to a breach of oath of allegiance and are, therefore, punishable by destoolment.