The Office of the Okuapehemaa of the Akuapem Traditional Area has raised objections to the purported enstoolment of former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, as Mmrahene of Akuapem.
In a press release signed by Nana Afua Nketia Obuo II, the Okuapehemaa together with the Asonahene, Nana Kwasi Omenako II, said they had taken notice of publications announcing the planned enstoolment of Justice Sophia Akuffo on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
According to the statement, the purported enstoolment is alleged to have been initiated by Odehye Kwadwo Kesse, whose legitimacy as Okuapehene remains the subject of unresolved judicial and customary disputes.
The statement referenced a judgment delivered on April 30, 2020, by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, which outlined the customary procedures required for the nomination and installation of an occupant of the Ofori Kuma Stool.
The Office of the Okuapehemaa argued that the procedures outlined in the judgment were not followed in the purported enstoolment of Odehye Kwadwo Kesse, adding that the decision of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs was later affirmed by the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs.
According to the statement, the longstanding customary role of the Okuapehemaa in nominating a suitable candidate after consultations with the Abrewatia and elderly women of the royal family was allegedly disregarded.
The release further disclosed that contempt proceedings were initiated against Odehye Kwadwo Kesse and another individual at the High Court in Koforidua. The court subsequently convicted them for contempt and imposed fines of GH¢10,000 each.
It added that although the convicts paid the fines, they had allegedly failed to purge themselves of the contempt.
The statement also noted that an application filed at the Supreme Court seeking to quash the High Court’s decision was dismissed on February 20, 2024, with the apex court affirming that the High Court had jurisdiction in the matter.
In light of these developments, the Okuapehemaa urged Justice Sophia Akuffo to exercise restraint regarding the purported enstoolment.
“Nemo dat quod non habet — no one gives what he does not have,” portions of the statement read, arguing that any title conferred by a person whose legitimacy is disputed could itself be invalid.
The Office stressed that the statement was not intended to undermine the reputation of Justice Sophia Akuffo, whom it described as one of Ghana’s most distinguished jurists and respected legal personalities.
Rather, it said the release was issued to preserve the sanctity of Akuapem customs and traditions and to prevent eminent personalities from becoming entangled in unresolved traditional and judicial disputes.
The Okuapehemaa’s office also called on the media, the general public and stakeholders to take note of the existing judicial pronouncements and the legal implications surrounding the purported enstoolment.
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