The Office of the Okuapehemaa, Nana Afua Nketiaa Obuo II, has raised concerns over reports that former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo is set to be enstooled as Mmrahene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, warning that the process is surrounded by unresolved legal and customary disputes.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 18, 2026, the office said it had taken note of publications announcing that the former Chief Justice would be enstooled on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
According to the statement, the ceremony is expected to be conducted by Odehye Kwadwo Kesse, who continues to present himself as Okuapehene under the stool name Oseadeeyo Nana Kwasi Akuffo III, despite court rulings questioning his legitimacy.
The statement referenced a ruling by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs on April 30, 2020, which outlined the proper customary process for selecting and enstooling an Okuapehene.
It explained that the ruling required the involvement of the Abrewatia of the relevant ruling house, the Asonahene, the Queenmother, and elderly female representatives in line with Akuapem tradition.
The Okuapehemaa’s office argued that Odehye Kwadwo Kesse was allegedly enstooled without following these procedures, a position it said was later upheld by the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs.
The statement further revealed that contempt proceedings were later brought against Odehye Kwadwo Kesse and Lily Agyemang at the High Court in Koforidua.
According to the release, both were convicted of contempt and fined GH¢10,000 each.
It added that although the fines were paid, they had not fully purged themselves of the contempt.
The office also noted that an application for certiorari filed at the Supreme Court to overturn the High Court ruling was unanimously dismissed on February 20, 2024.
According to the statement, the dismissal confirmed the High Court’s jurisdiction and left the contempt conviction standing.
The Okuapehemaa’s office, therefore, urged Justice Sophia Akuffo to exercise caution regarding the reported enstoolment.
“Her Ladyship remains one of Ghana’s most distinguished jurists and internationally celebrated legal personalities whose integrity, stature, and contributions to constitutional governance and the rule of law are deeply respected both within Ghana and beyond,” the statement said.
“It is therefore our respectful view that Her Ladyship ought not to permit her enviable reputation and distinguished legacy to be associated with a process, title, or authority that is presently tainted by serious legal and customary controversies.”
The statement stressed that its intention was not to attack the former Chief Justice, but to protect the sanctity of Akuapem custom and prevent respected public figures from becoming involved in unresolved traditional disputes.
The Okuapehemaa’s office also urged the public, media, and stakeholders to take note of the legal concerns surrounding the reported enstoolment.
Read the full statement below
