TROUBLE is brewing in Amanokrom, the capital of the Gyaase Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area, following the disappearance of the bronze bust of the late chief of the area, Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, who reigned as Amanokromhene from 1975 to 2005.
The bust of the late chief, which was erected shortly after his death in November 2005, was suspected to have been removed last Saturday, August 29.
Before its removal, the late chief’s bust was sited along the main road in the town, near the Amanokrom Presbyterian Junior High School, and its disappearance has resulted in accusations and counter-accusations between supporters of the present chief, Nana Osiem Kwatia II, and those backing Kofi Asamoah of the Asona Royal Family who they are claiming to be the legitimate successor to the throne.
Some of the supporters of Mr Asamoah, who spoke to the Daily Graphic on condition of anonymity, indicated that since the disappearance of the bust, they had become the prime suspects of police investigations, a situation they said had made them feel insecure, especially during the night.
According to them, a day after the disappearance of the statue of the late chief, over 20 policemen mobilised from Akropong, Mamfe and Mampong arrived in the town to begin investigations, in which they were the targets.
For instance, they said, 11 persons belonging to the Asona Royal Family were arrested and detained by the Akropong police for their alleged involvement in an attempt to set ablaze the Amanokromhene’s palace on July 8, 2008 while nobody from the sitting chief’s side was ever arrested and interrogated.
They, therefore, warned that if the report made by the Chief of Amanokrom, Nana Kwatia, to the police about the missing statue should make them the prime suspects, “the police must be prepared for retaliatory action from the people”.
When contacted, the Crime Officer of the Akropong Divisional Police, ASP David Ashong, said on August 29, this year, Nana Kwatia, who is also the Gyaasehene of Akuapem, informed the police that the bust of his predecessor had been taken away by some unknown persons.
He said some policemen were sent to the scene to ascertain the allegation and carry out investigations into the incident to determine those who stole the bust.
He said prior to the removal, a gong-gong beater, Yaw Danso, who was sent by Nana Kwatia to announce an important meeting between the chief and the people scheduled for August 14, was attacked and beaten by some masked individuals who also took away his tools.
ASP Ashong denied reports that the police arrested some people or invited the people for interrogation.
Amanokrom has in the past remained one of the most peaceful towns on the Akuapem Ridge since the late Oyeeman Wereko Ampem ascended the stool in 1975 until his death in November 2005
There were no reports of any problem pertaining to chieftaincy during his reign. However, upon his death, three names came up for succession but one of the persons declined the offer, leaving the current Omanhene, who is known in private life as Fred Croffie, and Kofi Asamoah, in the race.
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