The Okuapehemaa of Akuapem, Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo II, has cautioned against the reported enstoolment of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo as Mmrahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, describing the process as legally and customarily disputed.
In a statement issued by her office, the Okuapehemaa said it had taken note of media reports suggesting that the former Chief Justice was to be enstooled by Odehye Kwadwo Kesse.
The statement said the individual purporting to carry out the enstoolment continues to present himself as Okuapehene despite prior judicial rulings questioning his legitimacy.
It cited a 2020 decision by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs which outlined the recognised customary process for selecting an Okuapehene, involving designated royal family representatives and traditional authorities.
According to the release, the process followed in the disputed installation did not comply with established customary procedures and had been challenged in court.
The office said subsequent rulings, including contempt proceedings at the High Court in Koforidua, had found the individuals involved guilty and imposed fines, although the underlying dispute remained unresolved.
It added that a related application at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court decision was dismissed in February 2024, leaving the earlier rulings in force.
The Okuapehemaa’s office urged caution over any further steps regarding the alleged enstoolment, warning that proceeding could deepen legal and customary disputes within the Akuapem Traditional Area.
It also called on media organisations and the public to take note of existing court decisions and avoid actions that could misrepresent the status of the traditional authority process.
The statement stressed that its position was not intended to undermine the former Chief Justice, but to protect the integrity of Akuapem customary law and avoid drawing respected public figures into unresolved chieftaincy disputes.
Click to read details of the press release issued by the Okuapehemaa of Akuapem
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