The Oguaa Traditional Council has fined a radio presenter GHC30,000, three male white sheep, and a carton of schnapps for making disparaging comments against the Council and its leadership.
Ato Trustworthy, a presenter with Elmina-based Ahomka FM, is to carry one of the sheep around his neck from the Oguaa Akoto Monument near London Bridge through Kingsway to the Oguaamanhen’s house (Efiekesem) and finally to the Emintsimadze Palace, where traditional rites will be performed to appease the gods.
In addition to the fine, the presenter has been directed to issue an unequivocal apology within 14 days to the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Traditional Council, and the people of Cape Coast for bringing their names into disrepute.
The Council, on Monday, August 11, rescinded its earlier decision to reject his apology after persistent pleas from his delegation, led by Rev. Father Joojo Gyepi-Garbrah of the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Cape Coast. Nana Benya, the Linguist, announced the decision after 45 minutes of deliberations.
About two weeks ago, the Council had turned down his apology when he first appeared before them, following a viral TikTok video in which he made derogatory remarks after a protocol dispute at the opening of PANAFEST 2025.
The incident occurred when the Asafo Companies in Oguaa reportedly denied entry to Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, during the July 26 durbar at Victoria Park, Cape Coast. The host, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, was expected to arrive last by custom, but Nana Condua reportedly arrived after him in a palanquin. When asked to disembark and walk to the grounds, he declined and left.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Trustworthy referred to both the Omanhen of Edina and the Omanhen of Oguaa as “two small boys,” a remark the Council described as highly disrespectful. It noted that this was not the first time he had made misguided statements about the Council, having been cautioned previously after a similar incident.
The Council emphasised its resolve to curb such conduct, urging journalists to uphold respect and integrity when addressing traditional authorities and cultural events. “Let all journalists be guided by integrity, accuracy, and respect in their reporting, preserving the dignity of our traditions and communities,” it said.
Mr. Trustworthy, visibly humbled, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make amends and pledged to comply with the directives.
Although Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II did not participate in the deliberations, he later underscored the importance of preserving cultural values. “My palace is a place of peace and reconciliation. We welcome Ato Trustworthy’s remorse, but tradition must be followed for peace to prevail,” he stated.
On August 1, the Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, described the breach of protocol during the durbar as “regrettable and avoidable.” He stressed that PANAFEST was not merely a festival but a sacred occasion to honour ancestors and promote unity, adding that tradition dictates the host Omanhen should always arrive last as a symbol of his role as commander-in-chief.
