Tension is brewing in Atuabo as the community has announced the withdrawal of all customary services to their paramount chief, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III. The people say their once strong bond with the traditional leader has been severely strained, forcing them to take a step they describe as both painful and unavoidable.
Residents explained that over time, the relationship between the chief and the community has deteriorated to the point where they no longer feel obligated to perform the traditional duties expected of them. They claim efforts to mend the situation through dialogue and appeals to elders did not yield any results, leaving them with no option but to take this decisive stand.
Community leaders insist that their action should not be mistaken for disrespect toward traditional authority. Instead, they say it is a clear call for accountability and for the restoration of harmony between the chief and the people he represents. According to them, their decision reflects a deep sense of frustration over issues that have remained unresolved for far too long.
The withdrawal of customary services, which include traditional rites and community support roles, is seen as a significant move in Nzema traditional practice. It signals not only dissatisfaction but also a breakdown in the mutual trust that binds chiefs and their subjects. Elders warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address the grievances, the rift could widen and create long-lasting divisions within Atuabo.
For many, this development marks a turning point in the history of the town, highlighting how fragile the ties between traditional authority and the people can become when trust is broken. While the residents hold firm to their decision, they also express hope that genuine dialogue and reconciliation can restore the unity that once defined Atuabo.