The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has intervened in a simmering chieftaincy dispute in the Kwahu Traditional Area, issuing an injunction against Baffour Osei Akoto and six other kingmakers over what the judicial body deems an unlawful attempt to install a rival paramount chief.
In a decisive ruling in Suit No. JC/ERHC/P4/2025, the Judicial Committee restrained the defendants from holding out Baffour Osei Akoto as the Omanhene (Kwahuhene) of Kwahu, or allowing him to assume the title Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, while a recognized and gazetted occupant of the stool, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, remains in office.
One Stool, One Chief
The Committee鈥檚 ruling underscores a foundational principle of Ghana鈥檚 chieftaincy system: a single stool cannot be occupied by two individuals concurrently.
The decision comes amid growing concern over parallel authority claims that threaten to destabilize the Kwahu Traditional Area and undermine the sanctity of customary governance.
By the terms of the injunction, all seven defendants鈥攊dentified as kingmakers from within the Kwahu Paramount Stool jurisdiction鈥攁re barred from performing any act that seeks to challenge or interfere with the authority of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, especially in his official seat at Kwahu Abene.
The ruling not only affirms the legal and customary legitimacy of the sitting Omanhene but also sends a clear warning to factions attempting to bypass established succession processes in violation of the Chieftaincy Act and the 1992 Constitution.
Brewing Succession Controversy
The court action was prompted by recent moves by a faction of kingmakers to purportedly elevate Baffour Osei Akoto to the paramount stool, a development seen by the majority of the Traditional Council as a direct affront to the authority of the current Omanhene.
Sources close to the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs suggest that the defendants had already begun laying the groundwork for a parallel chieftaincy structure, heightening tensions within the area.
Alleged rituals and meetings aimed at legitimizing Baffour Osei Akoto鈥檚 claim had begun surfacing, prompting concern among traditional leaders and stakeholders in Kwahu.
The escalation led to the matter being brought before the Regional House of Chiefs, which has now acted to preserve peace, order, and the integrity of the traditional leadership structure.
Reaffirming Custom and the Rule of Law
In delivering its ruling, the Judicial Committee stressed that any installation or recognition of a rival chief while the stool is occupied is unlawful, regardless of perceived grievances or rival claims to lineage.
The Committee emphasized the need to channel all disputes through the due legal and customary processes available under Ghanaian law.
Legal experts have praised the House鈥檚 decision as a timely assertion of institutional authority, aimed at preventing chaos and ensuring continuity in traditional leadership.
Next Steps and Possible Repercussions
With the injunction now in effect, any further attempt by the defendants to proceed with the installation of Baffour Osei Akoto could be deemed contempt of court, subjecting them to possible legal penalties.
Meanwhile, traditional authorities and regional security officials are said to be on alert to monitor compliance with the order, given the history of volatile succession disputes in other parts of the country.
This development signals yet another test for Ghana鈥檚 complex but deeply entrenched chieftaincy institution, where tradition, politics, and legal frameworks often intersect鈥攕ometimes contentiously.
The case is expected to proceed to substantive hearings if any challenge is mounted against the current decision, but for now, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II remains the sole legitimate occupant of the Kwahu Paramount Stool.