The people of Tepa Ankaase in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti Region have installed a new Odikro (sub-chief) with a mandate to promote unity and spearhead development in the community.
The new Odikro, known in private life as Kwadwo Osei Bonsu, was enstooled under the stool name Nana Kwadwo Addai Osei Bonsu I.
He swore the Oath of Allegiance to Nana Kusi Agyapong Appau I, the Otumfuo Akwaboahene, and the people of Ankaase on Friday, August 28, at the Akwaboah Palace.
The brief but colourful traditional ceremony was witnessed by the Otumfuo Kyeamepanin, Nana Kwaku Wusu II, chiefs and elders of Akwaboah, as well as representatives of the Juabenhene.
After administering the oath, Nana Kusi Agyapong Appau I urged the new Odikro to serve the people with humility, truth and dedication while upholding the customs and traditions of Asanteman.
He also called on the people of Tepa Ankaase to rally behind the new chief and work with him to accelerate development in the community.
Akwaboahene cautions new Odikro
The Akwaboahene recounted the circumstances that led to the destoolment of Nana Kwadwo Osei Bonsu I’s predecessor, noting that the same people who supported his installation later called for his removal.
He cautioned the new Odikro not to repeat the mistakes that led to his predecessor’s destoolment.
“Your predecessor did nothing wrong to me personally, but because his own people in the community said they no longer wanted him as their Odikro, I had no option but to destool him. So do not go and bring shame upon me or the Akwaboah Stool,” the Akwaboahene stated.
Nana Kusi Agyapong Appau I said the installation followed extensive consultations in accordance with custom and tradition and again urged the people to support their new leader.
Otumfuo Kyeamepanin, Nana Kwaku Wusu II, also cautioned the new Odikro against allowing illegal mining activities to take place on Ankaase lands.
He warned that illegal mining destroys farmlands and water bodies and undermines development efforts in the area and across Asanteman.
Nana Kwaku Wusu II urged Nana Kwadwo Osei Bonsu I to remain vigilant and collaborate with the traditional council and relevant authorities to protect the community’s lands and natural resources.
New Odikro promises unity and development
Nananom and opinion leaders who attended the ceremony advised the new Odikro to uphold truth, fairness and the cultural values of the area while working closely with all stakeholders to advance the community.
They also called on the youth to support the new chief and avoid activities that could threaten peace and stability.
Nana Kwadwo Osei Bonsu I expressed gratitude to God for the honour and thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and his overlord, Nana Kusi Agyapong Appau I, for their blessings and confirmation of his enstoolment.
He also expressed appreciation to the Kingmakers for their confidence in him and to the people of Ankaase for their support, pledging to work diligently to meet their expectations.
The new Odikro urged residents to live in harmony, respect one another and traditional authority, and remain law-abiding as he works to improve living conditions in the community.
Although Ankaase has experienced chieftaincy-related disputes and violence in recent times, the enstoolment attracted a large turnout of community members at the Akwaboahene’s Palace, with residents turning up to witness the ceremony and pledge their support for the new chief.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past, Nana Kwadwo Osei Bonsu I urged residents to put their differences aside and unite for the development of Ankaase.
“Development is my priority for the Ankaase community and for that matter, I am urging you all to support me in a peaceful manner to achieve this goal. I am Odikro for all the people of Ankaase,” he said.
He called on all factions and residents, both within Ghana and abroad, to support his vision for the community, particularly in education, healthcare, youth employment and infrastructure.
“My reign will focus on unity, youth empowerment and development. I call on all sons and daughters of Ankaase, both home and abroad, to come together so we can build a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Some residents expressed optimism that the new leadership would help attract development projects, improve education and strengthen communal life in Tepa Ankaase.
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