Kingmakers of the Ahantaman Traditional Area have directed all stakeholders to suspend any moves towards selecting or installing a new Paramount Chief until the final funeral rites of the late Otumfuo Baidoe Bonsoe XV are completed.
The directive follows the passing of the former Council of State member, which has placed the traditional area in a period of mourning and triggered calls for adherence to customary practices governing succession to the Paramount Stool.
In a public notice issued after a meeting held in Takoradi in early July, the Kingmakers stressed that tradition required that a deceased chief be accorded a befitting burial before the process of choosing a successor could begin.
“The custom of the land remains supreme and paramount to any other interest,” the notice stated.
The Kingmakers warned against any action that could conflict with the customs of Ahantaman, urging residents and stakeholders to remain calm, united and committed to preserving the peace and dignity of the traditional area during the mourning period.
They appealed to the people of Ahantaman to avoid activities that could disrupt preparations for the final funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief or create divisions within the kingdom.
Otumfuo Baidoe Bonsoe XV, who served on the Council of State during the tenure of former President John Evans Atta Mills, was widely recognised for his role in traditional leadership and national affairs.
As part of efforts to promote unity and facilitate discussions on matters affecting the traditional area, the Kingmakers have tasked Nana Ezieaku IV, Tufuhene of the Agona Division, and Nana Nwinwa Nwinwa IV, Ninfahene of the Hotopo Division, to organise an extraordinary meeting.
The meeting is expected to bring together divisional chiefs, queen mothers, representatives of vacant stools, sub-divisional chiefs, Odikrofo, heads of stool families, Asafo companies and other relevant stakeholders.
The engagement will focus on issues concerning the Ahanta Kingdom and provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward while ensuring that customary procedures are respected.
The Kingmakers reiterated their commitment to protecting the traditions of Ahantaman and ensuring that the transition process follows established customary laws after the late Paramount Chief has been laid to rest.
