The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has stated that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, lacks the authority to install a paramount chief at Fiapre, a town in the Sunyani West Municipality in the Bono Region of Ghana.
Addressing his community members last weekend, Nana Agyeman Badu II noted that the Asantehene is recognised as a paramount chief by Ghana’s constitution and that a paramount chief cannot install another paramount chief on land that does not fall under his kingship.
According to the Dormaahene, the actions of Otumfuo Osei Tutu are condemnable and must not be entertained as they show disrespect for the traditions of the people of Fiapre.
Responding to Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II’s statements in an interview, private legal practitioner Nana Obiri Boahen refuted the Dormaahene’s claims, asserting they are incorrect.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen explained that sections 57 and 58 of the Chieftaincy Act 789 of 2008 define and categorize chiefs. He noted that section 58 ranks the Asantehene above Paramount chiefs.
He disclosed that the Ashanti Region has 38 Paramount chiefs, while the Ahafo Region has about 10.
He also mentioned that L.I 2409 of 2020 has elevated the status of some chiefs in the country.
“You cannot install a chief at Berekum, Duayawnkwanta, Sampa, Kwantwoma, and Nkyeraa without swearing an oath of allegiance to Otumfuo,” he remarked.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen questioned why a Paramount chief who does not elevate his chiefs should have an issue with another who does.
He added that a Paramount chief’s failure to elevate his chiefs should not be blamed on others.
The former deputy NPP General Secretary expressed frustration, stating that he did not implement the Chieftaincy law, so no Bono Region resident should criticize him on TikTok for not supporting their interests.