One person has reportedly been shot at Akropong -Akuapem in the Eastern region in a renewed chieftaincy dispute.
Information gathered indicates the incident occurred when a bereaved family aligned with Queen’s mothers faction allegedly breached the ban on noise making by organizing a one-week funeral observation by playing traditional drums.
The Baamuhene of Akropong Nana Afari Bampoe and his traditional entourage stormed the venue amid gunshots to disrupt and stop the activity leading to violent confrontation.
Armed Police rushed to the scene to maintain law and order.
The victim who reportedly sustained gunshot wounds has been rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital.
Meanwhile, there is still tension in the traditional area as some group of men have besieged the premises of the Baamuhene for attempted revenge but the Police are in control of the situation.
Akuapem traditional Council performed “Adaebutuw” on August 3, 2022, banning all forms of noise-making activities including drumming, funeral, burial, and mourning for six weeks ahead of the Odwira festival to be celebrated on 12th September to 18th September 2022.
The Acting President of Akuapem Traditional Council Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II has strongly defended the traditional council’s decision to cancel the Odwira durbar this year.
According to Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II who is Adontenhene for Okuapeman, the decision is to avoid violent conflict in the traditional area owing to the case challenging the legitimacy of Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III at the national house of chiefs by his grandmother, the Queenmother of Okuapeman Nana Obuor Nketia.
“Now that the matter has not been determined we have to ensure there is no conflict in Okuapeman. We the divisional chiefs don’t have any problem with the Chief (embattled Okuapehene) it is rather the Asona family. I am Aduana, I can’t be Okuapehene because I am not Asona. Now because he is not the one who presides over traditional council meetings so if you are not presiding over council meetings which power will you use to celebrate the Odwira festival? So their press releases have indicated clearly how the Odwira should be celebrated stating that the durbar on Friday and the carrying of Chief in paraquine have been canceled so has Otoobuor’s decision been turned down or upheld? Who say man no dey …Man dey!! “. Aburihene said.
According to the Aburihene accusations against him that he dislikes Okuapehene are untenable.
However, Okuapehene Ankobeahene, Nana Yaw Sakyi has debunked speculations that the 2022 Odwira festival has been canceled.
He told Bryt FM that, the celebration of the Odwira festival is inevitable therefore it cannot be canceled or banned however can be adjusted during a pandemic, litigation among others.
He, therefore, emphasized that the 2022 Odwira festival is coming off as planned contrary to misinformation in the media
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Obed Ansah
