The Tetetrem Royal Family of Duayaw Nkwanta has publicly declared its position on the ongoing chieftaincy dispute currently pending before the High Court in Goaso, calling on security agencies to maintain peace in the area.
Addressing the media, the family explained that the Tetetrem Royals were among the Akan groups that migrated from Denkyira in the early 14th century and later settled in the Ahafo area, where they established the present-day town of Duayaw Nkwanta before the formation of the Ashanti Kingdom.
According to the family, during the reconstruction of old structures in the town, some ethnic groups including the Banda, Fulani, Bahule and Gruma people migrated to the area in search of work as laborers. They stated that these groups later became known as the Awompi Family because of their growing population and eventually lived together with the Tetetrem Royals for many years.
The Tetetrem Family said the Awompi Family later had the opportunity to occupy the stool but are now claiming to be the original royal family of Duayaw Nkwanta, a development that has resulted in a prolonged chieftaincy dispute.
The matter was later referred to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for mediation. According to the family, a committee of enquiry was established to determine the rightful royal family of the land and also identify the family into which Osei Tutu I married.
However, the Tetetrem Royal Family expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the mediation, claiming the committee’s findings were influenced by bribery and corruption.
The family also rejected claims that Duayaw Nkwanta belongs to the Asanteman Council and denied allegations that the Tetetrem Family intended to pledge allegiance to Dormaa.
According to the family, members of the Awompi Family openly admitted that the Tetetrem Family are the true royals of the Duayaw Nkwanta Stool but insisted they would acquire the stool through the Asanteman Council.
The Tetetrem Royal Family warned the Awompi Family against any attempt to enstool a chief in Duayaw Nkwanta, stressing that they would equally install their own chief should that happen.
They further maintained that the palace and all blackened stools in Duayaw Nkwanta belong to the Tetetrem Royal Family.
The family appealed to the Regional Security Council, Municipal Security Council and the National Security Council to intervene and ensure lasting peace in Duayaw Nkwanta. They also called on the media to give publicity to the chieftaincy dispute in the area.
Sompaonline.com/Nana Agyemang Opambour