Growing tensions are being reported in the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region ahead of the planned installation of a new paramount chief, amid claims of illegitimacy and breaches of traditional and legal procedures.
Members of the Agona Royal Family have petitioned the Central Regional House of Chiefs to halt the installation of Oscar Kesse, also known as Kwame Mensah, as the new Denkyirahene.
They argue that he does not belong to the royal family entitled to the stool.
In the petition, family representatives — Abusuapanyin Precious Kwame Mensah, Sampson Delali Mensah and Alice Afia Mensah — accuse the Denkyira Queenmother, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, of “forcibly imposing an illegitimate chief” on the people in defiance of court orders and customary processes.
According to the petitioners, the Queenmother nominated Mr Kesse despite his failure to appear before a vetting committee of kingmakers responsible for selecting candidates for the stool.
They further allege that the principal kingmakers of Denkyira were excluded from the selection process.
The paramount stool of Denkyira became vacant in 2015 following the death of Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III. Under local custom, only members of the Agona Royal Family are eligible to be nominated and enstooled as the paramount chief.
The petitioners also contend that both the Queenmother and the nominee are not royals of Denkyira but belong to the Asona clan of Cape Coast, which traditionally has no claim to the Denkyira stool.
They have asked the House of Chiefs to declare the Queenmother’s position null and void, restrain her from performing any duties as Paramount Queenmother, and invalidate the planned installation of Kwame Mensah as Denkyirahene.
Despite the ongoing petition and an injunction issued by the Regional House of Chiefs, the Queenmother has insisted that the installation will proceed on Monday (25 October), at Jukwa, the traditional capital of Denkyira.
Sources within the traditional area say both factions are mobilising supporters ahead of the event, raising fears of potential clashes.
Community members have reportedly petitioned the Inspector General of Police, National Security, and the National Intelligence Bureau to intervene.
Local observers warn that the situation could escalate into violence if authorities fail to act swiftly.
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