IGP Urged to Act Decisively as Gbese Chieftaincy Dispute Raises Security Concerns Ahead of the Homowo Festival. Mr Christian Tetteh Yohonu is warned over escalating tension in Gbese, Ga Mashie as chiefs challenge alleged installation of Nii Armah Okpah as caretaker of the Gbese Stool
Faction Cites Supreme Court Ruling, Questions Legitimacy of
Installation, and Warns of Potential Security Implications Ahead of Homowo
Tension is rising within the Gbese Traditional Area following the purported removal of Nii Ashirifi Mettle Nunoo and the continuing dispute over the legitimacy of Nii Armah Okpah’s claim to serve as Regent and Caretaker of the Gbese Stool.
Most of the chiefs of the Gbese Stool, principal elders and kingmakers has strongly rejected Nii Armah Okpah’s assumption of the position, describing it as unlawful and contrary to established customary procedures and judicial decisions. According to the chiefs, his installation after the demise of Nii Ayi Bonte II was carried out without the requisite customary authority and therefore has no legal effect.
In a statement issued to the media, the chiefs argued that their position is grounded in the 1941 Gbese Agreement and a Supreme Court ruling delivered in April 2010, which they say determined the legitimacy of claims to the Gbese Stool. They contend that the installation of Nii Armah Okpah as regant by persons they describe as lacking the requisite customary authority is null and void.
The faction further maintains that Nii Armah Okpah has no legal or customary mandate to act as Regent or Caretaker of the Gbese Stool. They argue that his continued exercise of authority undermines the rule of law, established judicial decisions, and the customary governance structures of the Gbese State.
According to the elders, the matter is not merely a contest over succession but concerns the preservation of lawful customary authority and respect for the decisions of the courts. They insist that attempts to portray the dispute as an ordinary chieftaincy rivalry ignore what they describe as fundamental legal and customary issues.
The controversy has intensified following what the faction describes as the purported removal of Hon. Robert (Rojo) Mettle Nunoo as Head of the Gbese Kreshie and Abordiamor We Family and his Gbese Dzaase Tsɛ, Nii Okai Kasablofo V . The elders contend that Nii Armah Okpah lacks the legal and customary authority to remove any accredited family head or traditional office holder.
The chiefs also expressed concern over recent security developments in the area. It alleged that a family reunion organised by Rojo Mettle Nunoo to promote reconciliation required a significant police presence to maintain peace and order. According to the elders, the deployment of security personnel helped prevent possible disturbances during the gathering. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The chiefs have consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister for the Interior, the National Security Secretariat, the Ga Traditional Council, and the Ga Mantse to intervene without delay. They warn that allowing the dispute to continue unresolved could create conditions for public disorder, deepen divisions within the Gbese Traditional Area, and threaten peace in Ga Mashie, particularly as the Homowo Festival approaches.
They further cautioned individuals, government institutions, traditional authorities, investors, and corporate organisations against entering into agreements, land transactions, or any official dealings with Nii Armah Okpah on behalf of the Gbese Stool. According to the chiefsa, any such transactions will be challenged in court on the grounds that he lacks the legal capacity to represent the Stool.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, the rule of law, and customary due process, the elders stated that they will continue to pursue all lawful avenues to protect what they regard as the legitimate traditions and authority of the Gbese State. They urged all Ghanaians, traditional authorities, and state security agencies to ensure that due process prevails in order to safeguard peace and stability in Ga Mashie.
Samuel Ablometey ( Jesuits of GaDangme)
