The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has taken strong legal action to address a growing chieftaincy dispute in Kwahu. In a ruling on case number JC/ERHC/P4/2025, the House issued an injunction against Baffour Akoto Osei and six other traditional leaders who had claimed to install a new Omanhene (paramount chief) for the Kwahu Traditional Area.
The court order clearly states that Baffour Akoto Osei and the six others must stop presenting or holding him out as the Omanhene of Kwahu under the stool name Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III. This means he cannot carry out any functions or perform any duties as a paramount chief in Kwahu.
This move follows an illegal attempt to enstool (install) Baffour Akoto Osei as a rival chief, even though there is already a sitting and legally recognized Omanhene—Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. According to Ghanaian tradition and the Chieftaincy Act, a paramount stool cannot be occupied by two people at the same time. Any attempt to install another chief while one is still in power is considered a violation of both traditional customs and state laws.
As part of the injunction, the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has also stopped the seven individuals from interfering with the activities, roles, or authority of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. They are not allowed to go near his palace in Kwahu Abene or cause any form of disruption.
The House of Chiefs emphasized that the purpose of the injunction is to maintain peace and order in the traditional area. The chieftaincy institution plays a vital role in preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage, and disputes like these threaten the stability of the community.
Sources close to the matter say the tensions had been brewing for months, with attempts to challenge the authority of the current chief. However, traditional laws make it clear that a chief can only be removed through a proper destoolment process, which must follow due procedure and be handled by the appropriate customary and legal bodies.
This decision by the House of Chiefs is seen as a step to prevent further confusion and potential violence in the area. It also serves as a reminder that chieftaincy matters must be resolved through legal and customary channels, not by force or parallel installations.
The case will continue as the House of Chiefs and other authorities monitor the situation to ensure the rule of law is upheld.
