Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council vs Akyemansa DCE: Chieftaincy Interference Ruled Out

• The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has demanded an apology from the DCE for Akyemansa District over alleged chieftaincy interference.
• The council claims that the DCE's recognition of Etweresohene Ofosu Kwabi as a traditional leader was unlawful and exceeded her authority under Article 270(2) of the Ghana Constitution.
• The dispute highlights concerns about the limits of District Chief Executives' powers in relation to chieftaincy affairs.

A District Chief Executive cannot confer paramount status to any person or stool under the pretext of maintaining public peace, public order and administrative clarity.

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has found itself at odds with the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akyemansa District, Linda Ahenkora, over a contentious issue of chieftaincy interference. The council has accused the DCE of taking an unlawful step in recognising and elevating Etweresohene Ofosu Kwabi to traditional council status. This move has been met with resistance from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, which claims that the administration, registration, and recognition of chiefs fall outside the purview of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The council has directed the DCE to withdraw a letter dated July 7, 2026, which purportedly conferred paramountcy status on the Etwereso Stool. This development has sparked concerns about the limits of the DCE's authority under Article 270(2) of the Ghana Constitution.

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council's demand for an apology from the DCE is rooted in its assertion that the latter has overstepped her authority. According to Article 270(2) of the Ghana Constitution, even Parliament cannot enact laws that confer on any person or authority the power to recognise or withdraw recognition from a chief, or otherwise undermine the dignity of the institution of chieftaincy. The council's position is clear: District Chief Executives (DCEs) do not have the constitutional mandate to interfere in chieftaincy affairs. This stance has significant implications for the role of DCEs in Ghana's local governance structure.

The dispute between the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and the Akyemansa DCE highlights the importance of protecting chieftaincy institutions in Ghana. The council's assertion that its position on the status of the Etweresohene remains unchanged underscores the need for caution when dealing with sensitive issues related to traditional authority. The Okyenhene's commitment to resolving the matter through peaceful and lawful processes is a welcome development, but it also serves as a reminder that the protection of chieftaincy institutions requires vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential precedent-setting implications of this dispute, particularly in relation to the limits of District Chief Executives' authority under Article 270(2) of the Ghana Constitution.

Source: Original reporting via Maxwell Kudekor