Correspondence from Eastern Region

The Akuapem Traditional Area has once again captured public attention following a sharp response from Osahene Boafo Ansah III, the Kurontihene of Akuapem, to recent comments by the Okuapehemaa, Nana Afua Obuo Nketiaa II.

The queen mother had earlier announced the suspension of this year’s Odwira Festival, citing unresolved disputes over the legitimacy of the current Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.

At a press conference held in Accra on October 8, 2025, Nana Afua Obuo Nketiaa II declared an indefinite hold on the Odwira celebrations, arguing that no festival could be held while the Okuapeman stool remained in contention.

She alleged that the installation of the current Okuapehene was politically influenced under the previous administration, which she claimed compromised the traditional selection process.

The queen mother also issued a two-week ultimatum to the government to intervene and “restore justice” in the matter.

In a swift rebuttal, Osahene Boafo Ansah III described the queen mother’s remarks as “unfortunate and unbecoming,” accusing her of deliberately undermining the unity and cultural dignity of the Akuapem State.

He questioned the propriety of holding a press conference outside the jurisdiction of Akuapem, calling it “unheard of in Akan custom” and implying that the queen mother was acting outside her traditional bounds.

According to the Kurontihene, the queen mother’s annual pre-Odwira press conferences—now in their fourth consecutive year—appear to be part of a pattern aimed at distracting the public and deepening division within Okuapeman.

He also lamented her alleged lack of developmental achievements during her six-year tenure, contrasting her role with that of other queen mothers across the country who have championed education and women’s empowerment.

A Longstanding Chieftaincy Dispute

The dispute between the Akuapem Traditional Council and the queen mother dates back to 2017, following the passing of the late Okuapehene, Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, whose 35-year reign brought stability to Akuapem.

His death rekindled old rivalries within the Sakyiabea royal gate over succession rights.

Although Nana Afua Obuo Nketiaa II initially played a central role in nominating the new Okuapehene, parts of the traditional hierarchy challenged the process, leading to years of legal battles.

Multiple rulings from the courts and the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs eventually affirmed the legitimacy of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, who was officially gazetted in 2021.

Despite these judgments, tensions between the queen mother and sections of the traditional council have persisted, often resurfacing around major traditional events like the Odwira Festival.

Kurontihene Reaffirms Legitimacy and Calls for Calm

Osahene Boafo Ansah III emphasised that the matter of succession has been conclusively settled by law and custom. He reaffirmed the authority of Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III as the duly recognised Okuapehene, backed by divisional chiefs and queen mothers across the 17 towns and over 200 villages of Akuapem.

“Akropong, the seat of the Okuapehene, remains calm and united,” he assured, adding that preparations for the 199th Odwira Festival, scheduled from October 20 to November 2, 2025, were progressing smoothly.

He also announced that this year’s celebration will host the Yagbonwura, Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, as special guest of honour—a gesture he described as symbolic of inter-ethnic harmony and cultural solidarity.

A Festival of Unity and Renewal

Historically, the Akuapem State has been revered as a beacon of peace, education, and refined tradition within Ghana’s Eastern Region. Yet, internal discord between key traditional figures continues to cast a shadow on that legacy.

With the Odwira Festival approaching, many observers see it as an opportunity for reconciliation and a reaffirmation of Akuapem unity.

For now, the Kurontihene’s message is resolute: “Akuapem will not be divided. Our culture, our people, and our festival will continue to thrive in peace and dignity.”

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