Anomabo Traditional Council Reaffirms Nana Okai IV as Awiano Chief and Aboehen [VIDEOS+PHOTOS]

Omanhen of the Anomabo Traditional Area and President of the Traditional Council, Nana Kantamanto Amonoo XII

The Anomabo Traditional Council has officially reaffirmed Nana Okai IV as the legitimate Chief of Awiano and the Aboehen (Sub-Chief) of the Anomabo Traditional Council, urging the public to disregard any claims suggesting otherwise.

The reaffirmation was made during a sitting of the Traditional Council held on Friday, May 29, 2026, under the leadership of the Omanhen of the Anomabo Traditional Area and President of the Traditional Council, Nana Kantamanto Amonoo XII.

Addressing members of the council, traditional leaders, and citizens, Nana Kantamanto Amonoo XII stated that the council recognizes no other person as the Chief of Awiano apart from Nana Okai IV. He called on all indigenes of Awiano and Anomabo, both at home and abroad, to respect and uphold the council’s decision.

According to the Omanhen, the controversy surrounding the Awiano stool dates back several years and predates his ascension to the Anomabo paramount stool. He explained that Mr. Francis Ebo Mensah, who was reportedly installed as Chief of Awiano through his own arrangements, was not recognized by the late Omanhene, Nana Kantamanto Amonoo XI.

Nana Kantamanto Amonoo XII disclosed that the late paramount chief subsequently constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disputed installation. The committee conducted its work and submitted a report to the Traditional Council.

“The council’s current position is based on the findings and recommendations contained in that report,” the Omanhen stated, stressing that the decision was institutional rather than personal.

He further clarified that he harbours no personal grievances against Mr. Francis Ebo Mensah, noting that the matter was already before the Traditional Council and under litigation before he became Omanhene.

“I have no personal issues with Mr. Francis Ebo Mensah. The matter existed long before my enstoolment. What we are doing is implementing the decision and recommendations of the Traditional Council based on the committee’s findings,” he explained.

The Registrar of the Anomabo Traditional Council, Mr. Kosiy Oduro, also addressed the gathering. He presented the historical background of the dispute and read portions of the committee’s report, outlining the basis upon which the council arrived at its decision to uphold Nana Okai IV’s position.

The council maintained that its ruling remains binding and reflects the collective decision of the traditional authority responsible for matters concerning chieftaincy and customary governance within the Anomabo Traditional Area.

The reaffirmation is expected to bring clarity to the long-standing chieftaincy dispute and reinforce the authority of the Traditional Council in safeguarding customary leadership structures within the area.

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