Nii Ayi Okufobour I, the Chief of Ngleshie Alata of the Ga State in James Town of the Greater Accra Region has raised serious allegations of fraud against the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its President, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, following the induction of Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, into the House.
The Ngleshie Alata Stool claims the induction is illegitimate, citing a pending legal case against the self-proclaimed chief, also known as Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye.
Speaking to the media, Nii Ayi Okufobour I, Lafa Berima Nmaako Mantse Ngleshie Alata expressed outrage over the decision, aying “The Regional House of Chiefs are yet to rule on the ongoing case challenging the legitimacy of Oblempong Wetse Kojo II,”
Despite this, according to Nii Ayi Okufobour I, the President of the House, proceeded with the induction, recognizing him as the Paramount Chief of Ngleshie Alata Stool.
Nii Ayi Okufobour I, further alleged that the same individual was involved in the assassination of Nii Ayitey Konko V, the late Chief Priest of the Ngleshie Alata Paramountcy.
Nii Ayitey Konko V was fatally shot by unknown assailants on the morning of September 27 near his residence at the Ngleshie Traditional Stool Palace in James Town, Accra. The incident has heightened tensions within the community.
The Traditional Leader also disputed the legitimacy of the title “Oblempong Wetse Kojo II,” stating that it was originally installed in 1939 and cannot be reused. “A ghost can never come into the human state to become a chief”, he added.
He argued that any new title should be “Oblempong Wetse Kojo III,” rendering the current induction fraudulent.
Explaining further, Nii Ayi Okufobour I recalled that Weste Kojo had come to work with a company at James Town and by dint of his hard work he earned the title captain- “Wotse” to it, “our father”
He quickly debunked the rumour, saying, “Wotse Kojo is an indigen of Ada or pram pram.
Nii Ayi Okufobour I emphasized that the Dzasetse of the Ngleshie Alata Stool, Nii Okpey V, is the only authority empowered to install a chief for the Paramountcy.
“As customs demand, the responsibility of selecting and installing a chief for Ngleshie Alata is reserved for the people of Ngleshie Alata and then presents the chief to the Ga Traditional Council before introducing him (Installed Chief) to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs,” he added.
He questioned the legitimacy of the process, asking, “Can a person who has not been properly enstooled be initiated into the Regional House of Chiefs? Can a person who is not a member of a Traditional Council be inducted into such a prestigious body?”
The remarks come amid growing tensions within the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area,
where the induction of Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, into the Regional House of Chiefs has been met with widespread criticism.
Nii Ayi Okufobour I reiterated that proper enstoolment and membership in a Traditional Council are fundamental requirements for such an induction, and any deviation from these protocols undermines the integrity of the chieftaincy institution.
He further accused the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of disregarding statutory procedures and fueling potential chieftaincy disputes. “Such actions could destabilize the peace and security of the Ngleshie Alata community and the Greater Accra Region as a whole,” he warned.
The Traditional Leader called for immediate scrutiny of the induction process, urging the relevant authorities to investigate and rectify the matter to prevent further escalation.
He stressed the need for traditional leaders to uphold their role as custodians of peace and stability, rather than creating divisions among their people and accused the Regional House of Chiefs of bypassing proper protocols.
Nii Ayi Okufobour I warned that if caution is not exercised, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs risks fueling chieftaincy disputes within the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area.
He emphasized the critical role traditional leaders play in upholding peace and security in the region, a responsibility that cannot be overstated. As such, he urged them to prioritize maintaining harmony in the Greater Accra Region.
Nii Ayi Okufobour I, further called on the
Regional House of Chiefs to focus on fostering a safer and more stable environment for their subjects, enabling them to live in peace and enviable legacy for posterity rather than instigating chieftaincy conflicts among the people.
In light of the escalating situation, Nii Ayi Okufobour I called on the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohamed-Mubarak, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo and security agencies to urgently investigate the matter to prevent potential violence in the James Town area.
The community fears that the dispute could lead to further bloodshed if not addressed promptly.
The induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye as Oblempong Wetse Kojo II has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for transparency and justice in the handling of chieftaincy matters within the region.
