Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A), Feb. 13, GNA - A 50 year-old London based building contractor, Emmanuel Kwame Kumi, has sworn the oath of allegiance to the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, as the new chief for Akontanim, near Wamfie in the Dormaa East District. His stool name is Nana Tabiri Kumi Akyeaw and is the Akyempemhene of the Dormaa Traditional Council.

The new chief, who succeeded his late uncle, Nana Osei Yaw Abonsua, pledged to be loyal to the Traditional Council and the people of Akontanim. He promised to work to modernise existing cultures in the area to enhance moral chastity and general discipline among the youth. Nana Tabiri pledged to ensure that all traditional objects were protected against extinction. "If they are allowed to disappear through negligence and unwarranted changes, posterity will demand an explanation from us," he said.

The new chief urged stakeholders in the protection of traditions to engage the youth regularly in their transactions, so that they would respect and protect "our sacred objects and places". Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu advised the chief to stand firm to defend the rule of law and administration of justice during his tenure of office.

"In all endeavours, bear it in mind that the people's interest remains paramount and on no account should you use your revered office to reverse justice or compromise the dignity of the council," the paramount chief said. He charged the people of Akontanim to co-operate with the chief to enable him to help speed up the development of the area.