The Royal Ofosu-Pema Aduana Family of Akyem Osenase and principal stool elders have strongly condemned what they describe as an attempt by the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, to install a chief in the town in breach of established customary procedures.
In a press statement issued on Monday, April 27, 2026, the family accused the Okyenhene of seeking to install Boakye Asafo Agyei as Chief of Osenase without adherence to what they described as laid-down customs and traditions of Osenase, Akyem Abuakwa and the wider Akan fraternity.
According to the statement, the group intercepted a letter from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, signed by the State Secretary, D. M. Ofori-Atta, and addressed to the Regional Police Commander. The letter reportedly notified authorities of a planned public event for the installation of Nana Boakye Asafo Agyei as Chief of Osenase, scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
The royal family described the development as “unfortunate, distasteful and an unnecessary escalation of tensions”, warning that it would resist the move.
“While we remain a peace-loving people and would want development for our town, we want to make it clear that our meek demeanour should not be mistaken for weakness. We shall resist this attempt with every fibre of our being,” the statement said.
The family further alleged that the move was in line with earlier comments attributed to the Okyenhene at an Akyem Abuakwa State Council meeting on March 27, 2026, where he was said to have indicated an intention to install Asafo Agyei as chief “regardless of the consequences”.
They outlined what they described as procedural breaches, insisting that no stool vacancy has been declared in Osenase as the incumbent chief, Barima Ofosu Ware, has not been formally declared deceased in accordance with custom.
They also argued that the Queenmother, Obaapanin Acheampomaa II, has not nominated any successor, while the principal stool elders—comprising the Benkum, Gyaase, Kyidom, Abakom, Adonten, Amaama and Akyeame divisions—have not approved any candidate.
“It is the exclusive right of the Queenmother, in consultation with the Abusuapanin, to nominate the next occupant of the Osenase stool. That process has not taken place,” the statement noted.
The family further questioned the basis for the alleged nomination of Boakye Asafo Agyei, whom they claim is not of royal lineage.
They also expressed concern that state security agencies, particularly the police, could be involved in facilitating what they described as an unlawful installation.
“We, the people of Akyem Osenase, shall not be intimidated and we shall resist oppression,” the statement added.
The group further referenced an earlier petition submitted to government on March 29, 2026, following the alleged threat, and a response from the Presidency dated April 14, 2026, which they say was also communicated to the Okyenhene.
They expressed surprise that the Traditional Council would proceed despite what they described as presidential engagement on the matter.
Calling for urgent intervention, the family appealed to the President to act to avert what they described as a “possible escalation of tensions” in the area.
Read the full statement below
