CHIRAAHENE ABDICATES

Sunyani(B/A), Feb 8, Nana Akrotwi Saniam, Chiraahene and Benkumhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council whose destoolment was sought by the youth of the town has abdicated. A letter signed by his lawyer, Nana Obiri Boahene and copied to the President of Dormaa Traditional Council, said the move is to ensure peace at Chiraa and guarantee his interests and safety. " My client wishes to inform you of his decision to abdicate with immediate effect his customary position as Chiraahene and Benkumhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council", the letter stated. He offered himself for the necessary customary rites to validate the abdication yesterday at Dormaa Ahenkro but the ceremony was postponed because some of the kingmakers and sub chiefs did not arrive in time from Chiraa. The ceremony, according to a source at the Council has been slated for tomorrow February nine. During a number of violent demonstrations, the youth of Chiraa alleged that the chief was the brain behind the theft of PVC pipes meant for the town's water project. Even though police investigations so far have exonerated him, the youth have been persistent in their allegation and called for his destoolement. Three people including an assembly member overseeing the project and a staff of the Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation are on trial at a Sunyani circuit court for their alleged involvement in the theft.