The Office of the Okuapehemaa of the Akuapem Traditional Area has raised objections to the alleged enstoolment of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo as the Mmrahene of Akuapem.

In a press release obtained by GhanaWeb, Okuapehemaa Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II and Asonahene Nana Kwasi Omenako II indicated that they had taken note of announcements regarding Justice Sophia Akuffo’s intended enstoolment on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

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The statement claimed that the enstoolment was allegedly initiated by Odehye Kwadwo Kesse, whose legitimacy as Okuapehene is currently under scrutiny in an ongoing judicial and customary disputes.

“In fact, the power of the Okuapehemaa to nominate a suitable candidate after the selection process by the Abrewatia and the seven elderly women was taken away from her, which clearly violates the longstanding customs of Okuapeman and the judgment of the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs," it stated.

The office referred to a judgment delivered on April 30, 2020, by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, which outlined the customary procedures for nominating and installing an occupant of the Ofori Kuma Stool.

It argued that these procedures were not followed in the purported enstoolment of Odehye Kwadwo Kesse, a decision later confirmed by the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs.

According to the release, the traditional role of the Okuapehemaa in nominating a suitable candidate, following consultations with the Abrewatia and the elderly women of the royal family, was disregarded.

The statement also mentioned that contempt proceedings were initiated against Odehye Kwadwo Kesse and another individual at the High Court in Koforidua.

“Consequently, Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II and Nana Kwasi Omenako II, the Asonahene, commenced contempt proceedings against him and another before the High Court in Koforidua. Upon hearing the matter, the Court convicted them for contempt and imposed a fine of Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000.00) each on Odehye Kwadwo Kesse and Lili Agyemang, which they duly paid. However, despite the payment of the fines, the convicts have since failed to purge themselves of the contempt,” the statement further stated.

The release also noted that an application filed at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision was dismissed on February 20, 2024, with the apex court affirming that the High Court had jurisdiction in the matter.

In light of these developments, the Okuapehemaa encouraged Justice Sophia Akuffo to exercise caution.

“Nemo dat quod non habet — no one gives what he does not have,” the statement said, arguing that any title conferred by a person whose legitimacy is disputed could itself be invalid.

The office emphasised that this statement was not intended to undermine Justice Sophia Akuffo, whom they described as one of Ghana’s most distinguished jurists and respected legal personalities. Instead, it aimed to preserve the integrity of Akuapem customs and traditions and to prevent notable individuals from becoming entangled in unresolved traditional and judicial disputes.

The Okuapehemaa’s office also urged the media, the general public and stakeholders to take note of existing judicial rulings and the legal implications surrounding the purported enstoolment.

See the Press Release below:







NAD/AM

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