There is brewing tension in Awudua, the historical seat of the Apinto Traditional Council, Western Region, threatening a chieftaincy crisis.
This prominent town, rich in history from European gold trade and famed for tourist sites like archaeologically significant Fort Ruychaver, faces turmoil over succession.
The revered Apinto Divisional seat, vacant since Nana Kwabena Angu II’s death in April 2022 after his 37-year reign, must now be filled from the Faibil gate – one of the Royal Family’s two gates (Faibil and Angu).
The Faibil family, comprising three lineages, selects candidates based on hierarchy and character.
However, information reaching Ghanaian RADADR, has revealed that the selection process is mired in violations.
Chiefs and Royal family members, especially from Faibil, strongly oppose how initial procedures are being twisted to favour Famiyeh – a candidate not nominated by the Faibil family.
According to some prominent chiefs in the area, who spoke to this reporter on anonymity, the Faibil Gate duly nominated Kwabena Damoah, submitting his name to the Tufuhene for installation.
However, they expressed surprise and concern when Famiyeh’s name emerged after Damoah’s proper nomination.
They voiced deep unhappiness and worry about the spiritual repercussions of steering the process towards an improperly presented candidate.
The chiefs highlighted the looming tension, pledging to work hard ensuring correct procedures are followed to avert conflict. He assured everything possible would be done to adhere to truth for a peaceful installation of the rightful chief.
Stressing Awudua’s peace-loving nature, they averred that the people of Awudua will not allow a few to create conflict over this seemingly straightforward issue.