Correspondence from the Eastern Region

Akyem Asene erupted in jubilation on Monday, May 4, 2026, as Nana Dompreh Kwarko Poakwa III officially swore the oath of allegiance before His Gracious Majesty, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, the Paramount Chief of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area.

The colourful ceremony marked the end of more than a decade of chieftaincy disputes that had turned the Asene township into a major flashpoint within the Akyem Kotoku State.

Addressing the newly enstooled chief, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV urged him to demonstrate courage, vigilance and visionary leadership in steering the affairs of the town.

“Do not let your age become a barrier to what you can achieve for the good people of Akyem Asene,” the overlord advised.

The installation of Nana Dompreh Kwarko Poakwa III follows a prolonged legal battle over the Asene stool.

In March 2024, Nana Kodua Asiedu II, Abakomahene, together with Nana Dwapeneng Asabre Debrah, Tufuhene of Akyem Asene, filed a petition before the Judicial Committee of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council against the then chief, Nana Karikari Appau.

The plaintiffs sought a declaration that the customary destoolment of Nana Karikari Appau by the kingmakers and the Royal Agona Family of Akyem Asene was lawful and constitutional.

They also requested an order compelling the former chief to account for an amount of GH¢600,000 allegedly accrued from stool concession proceeds at Akyem Amenam.

Additionally, they sought interlocutory and perpetual injunctions restraining him from acting or presenting himself as chief of Akyem Asene, as well as an award of costs.

The Judicial Committee ruled in favour of the plaintiffs after Nana Karikari Appau reportedly declined to contest the case.

Subsequently, Nana Karikari Appau appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in November 2025. However, the appeal was dismissed on grounds that it was statute-barred, paving the way for the nomination and enstoolment of a new chief.

Background of the New Chief

Known in private life as Michael Osei Kwarko, the new Asenehene was born on June 23, 2000.

He had his basic education at Siaw Children’s Academy in Asene before attending New Abirem Senior High School, where he completed his studies in 2017.

He later pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at All Nations University, graduating in 2024.

During his university education, he undertook industrial attachment with the Electricity Company of Ghana at its Koforidua District Office, where he gained practical industry experience.

He subsequently completed his national service at ECG’s Legon Branch, where his diligence and strong work ethic reportedly earned him retention after service.

Residents of Asene have expressed optimism about the future under the leadership of the young chief.

Many expect Nana Dompreh Kwarko Poakwa III to unite the town after years of division and factionalism, while championing a development agenda capable of transforming the community and restoring prosperity to the area.