Chief’s mediation effort rejected

Jasikan (Volta Region) -- An initiative by Nana Okotor Kofi III, Paramount Chief of the Nkonya Traditional Area to mediate in the dispute between Nana Aburam Akpandja IV, Paramount Chief of the Buem Traditional Area and 17 of his sub-Chiefs and five Mankrados has been rejected.

The problem is as a result of the purported destoolment of Buemhene by the Sub-Chiefs and the Amankrados and regents of the area last year that was nullified by a High Court at Ho.

The Sub-Chiefs turned down Nana Okotor's effort at a meeting on Saturday at Jasikan. It was not clear whether the Nkonyahene, who is also the Vice President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, was acting on behalf of the House or in his own capacity.

A press release issued after the meeting and signed by Nana Owusu Ankomah VII, Chief of Kudje and Nifahene of Buem Traditional Area on behalf of the 17 chiefs and five Amankrados said among others, "Nana Akpandja remained destooled in accordance with the customary practice and usages of the Buem Traditional area."

The statement also described Nana Akpandja's assertion in recent news reports that he remained the Buemhene, as ''a joke", adding that "We have destooled him and nothing can change our minds."

Sam Baidu Kelele, the Jasikan District Chief Executive (DCE), who was at the meeting advised the Chiefs to exercise restraint. David Tei Tagoe, Assistant Superintendent of Police in charge of the Jasikan District warned that the Police would not hesitate to deal with any one who would disturb the peace of the area and advised the Chiefs to act within the ambit of the law.

On 19 July last year a Ho High Court presided over by Justice Richard Apaloo nullified the purported destoolment of Nana Akpandja by 17 of his sub-chiefs and five Mankrados after Nana Akpandja brought a certiorari application, which questioned their authority to destool him, the procedures adopted and to have the action quashed.