Members of the Agona royal family of Denkyira, Old Juabeng, and New Juabeng filed the petition
Correspondence from Central Region
A dispute has emerged within the Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region following the installation of a new Paramount Chief.
The installation has prompted concerns and legal challenges regarding adherence to traditional protocols and customary law.
Members of the Agona royal family of Denkyira, Old Juabeng and New Juabeng have filed a petition with the Regional House of Chiefs contesting the nomination of Oscar Kesse, also known as Kwame Mensah, for the position of Paramount Chief.
The petition, filed by Abusuapanyin Precious Kwame Mensah, Sampson Delali Mensah, and Alice Afia Mensah, alleges that Oscar Kesse is not a member of the Agona royal family and, therefore, is not eligible for nomination and installation as chief.
The petition further alleges that the Queenmother of the Denkyira Traditional Council, Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III, nominated Oscar Kesse despite his not having appeared before a vetting committee. It also states that principal kingmakers were allegedly excluded from the selection process.
The petition outlines that the Paramount Stool of Denkyira became vacant in 2015 upon the death of Odeefuo Boa Amponsem III.
It asserts that traditionally, the occupant of the stool is selected from the Agona royal family, emphasizing the requirement for a candidate of proper lineage from that clan.
The petitioners claim that the Queenmother and Kwame Mensah, niece and nephew of the immediate past Paramount Chief, are not members of the Denkyira Agona royal family but belong to the Fante Asona family from Cape Coast.
The petition alleges that the Queenmother proceeded with the nomination of Kwame Mensah without following the established customs and procedures.
The petitioners are seeking the following declarations:
• That Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III is ineligible to be Queenmother, not being a member of the Agona royal family.
• That Kwame Mensah is ineligible to be nominated, enstooled, or installed as Paramount Chief, not being a member of the Agona royal family.
• Restraining orders preventing Nana Ama Ayensua Sara III from acting as Queenmother and managing stool properties.
• An order preventing further ritual acts related to the installation.
Adding that they do expect the Regional House of Chiefs to review the petition and address the concerns raised by the Agona royal family.
Source: Agona royals of Denkyira/Old and New Dwaben
See screenshots of the petition below:
