No K.K Sarpong, No Chief – Offinso residents to Otumfuo
The people of Offinso in the Ashanti Region are appealing to the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to accept the nomination of Dr K. K. Sarpong, as the new chief of the area.
The Asantehene is reported to have rejected the nomination of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) as proposed by the Queen mother of Offinso, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and some elders.
Otumfuo, barely two weeks back reiterated his rejection over what he said amounted to an attempt to subvert tradition.
Some indigenes and residents of the town, however, had different views from that of the Asantehene, when they took to the streets to protest in part and to appeal to the overlord to allow the nomination and enstoolment of Dr. Sarpong.
Wearing red and black attires with head, arm and wrist bands, the people carried placards that bore inscriptions such as “No KK, No Chief,” “We need someone who can develop Offinso,” “Everyone has a dream!!!”
Others read: “Offinsoman has accepted KK Sarpong already,” “Offinso existed before Ashanti” and “There is no curse on Anyirem regal royal,” etc.
It is yet to be confirmed whether the protesters were able to present any petition to any quarters with respect to their concerns.
According to Otumfuo, he would never support any actions on the part of the queen and the elders that would undermine the tradition of Asanteman when it comes to the election and selection of chiefs.
“No one can arrogate powers that do not exist to themselves. None of the elders have the right to sell land when there is no Offinsohene, specifically when it is the Offinsohene who must sign off the sale.
“There is no such power. You are to take charge until a new chief is installed and then account for your stewardship.
“So be very careful in Offinso. I am very aware of all the things you’re doing at Offinso. You’re friends with Pitin Abontengdomhene and you have recorded a tape… I am very aware of your plot, that you will go ahead and install a new chief when I travel by Monday.
“Offinso Hemaa you are aware of this, be very careful… I would never allow you to cause the downfall of Offinso,” Otumfuo stated through his linguists in an audiotape of his Asantemen court sitting shared by Royal Palace Multimedia.
The demise of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, late Paramount Chief of Offinso has left a vacuum which has led to litigation over who becomes his successor.
Dr K. K. Sarpong’s nomination has been rejected by Otumfuo at the Council meeting and in public.
According to Otumfuo, it is rather wrong for the Queen Mother to present K. K. Sarpong as a candidate by virtue of the royal bloodline while history and tradition tell otherwise.
Otumfuo has thus warned Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the elders of Offinso to put forth their candidate through the appropriate channel or risk having him rejected permanently.