Effiduase, a town within the New Juaben Traditional Area, is currently grappling with unrest following the contentious sale of a section of public cemetery land to a private developer for GH₵700,000. The parcel of land, formerly used for the burial of COVID-19 victims, is reportedly intended for the construction of a church.
The transaction has triggered significant opposition and turmoil, culminating in the alleged destoolment of Okatakyie Opoku Oware, the Ekuasehene (chief of Ekuase), who has been a vocal critic of the sale. On Sunday, the Effiduasehene, Nana Okowia Dwumo Baabu, announced at the palace that the Ekuasehene had been removed from his position for alleged insubordination.
In swift response, the Ekuase Bretuo Royal Family dismissed the announcement, arguing that the Effiduasehene lacks the traditional authority to destool the Ekuasehene. “The Ekuase stool is a family stool, and not under the jurisdiction of the Effiduasehene,” stated Opanyin Kwame Nyarko, head of the Bretuo family. “Only the Bretuo Royal Family holds the customary right to enstool or destool our chief. As such, the declaration is null and void.”
The dispute has since escalated, with reports of gunfire in the vicinity, prompting the deployment of armed police to maintain security around the palace and within the community.
Speaking to the media, Okatakyie Opoku Oware condemned the attempted destoolment as both unlawful and politically driven. He reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding communal lands against what he described as “reckless and exploitative” transactions.
“I will not be intimidated,” he said. “My mission is to protect the community’s interests and ensure that public assets are preserved for future generations.”
Attempts by reporters to obtain a statement from Nana Okowia Dwumo Baabu and his council were unsuccessful, as the palace remained locked following the incident.
As tensions persist, the situation in Effiduase remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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