Ekuzoanews.com

Tag: Western Region

  • Salman Chief Nana Kwamena Bentumi II Customarily Destooled by Royal Family

    Salman Chief Nana Kwamena Bentumi II Customarily Destooled by Royal Family

    Nana Kwamena Bentumi II, the Chief of Salman in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, has been customarily destooled by members of his royal family in a development that has sent ripples through the traditional and socio-political landscape of the community.

    The destoolment rites were reportedly performed on Thursday by the legitimate stool family in accordance with established Nzema customary law, bringing to an abrupt and dramatic end a reign that has been marked by both notable community engagement and persistent controversy.

    Sources within the community indicate that the decision followed a period of escalating tensions, with disagreements over local resource governance and developmental initiatives creating deep divisions between the traditional authority and sections of the populace.

    A major flashpoint emerged in March 2026 when youth groups in Salman openly challenged the chief over the extraction of clay from abandoned mining pits. The initiative, initially conceived as a community-led venture aimed at generating revenue for local development projects, subsequently became a source of contention amid disputes surrounding its administration, transparency and implementation.

    Nana Kwamena Bentumi II also became a central figure in public discourse concerning the operations of Adamus Resources Limited, a mining company with activities in the area. His defence of certain aspects of the company’s lease arrangements and local employment policies drew mixed reactions, earning support from some stakeholders while attracting criticism from others who questioned the management of the community’s natural resources.

    The development has reignited discussions on traditional governance, accountability and the delicate balance between customary leadership and community interests within resource-rich localities.

    Under the provisions of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), stool families possess the customary authority to initiate destoolment proceedings. However, for such a decision to attain full legal and administrative effect within Ghana’s chieftaincy framework, it must be formally communicated to the relevant traditional authorities and duly recorded by the appropriate institutions.

    In accordance with the prescribed process, the reported destoolment is expected to be referred to the Ellembelle Traditional Council and subsequently transmitted to the Western Regional House of Chiefs for validation and official recognition.

    Until the requisite customary and statutory procedures have been completed and duly registered, Nana Kwamena Bentumi II remains the officially recognised occupant of the stool in state records.

    As of the time of filing this report, attempts to obtain a response from Nana Kwamena Bentumi II had proved unsuccessful. Similarly, neither the Ellembelle Traditional Council nor the Ellembelle District Assembly had issued an official statement regarding the development.

  • Fresh twist in Badu Bonsoe II saga as Ahanta West MP pushes for DNA test

    Fresh twist in Badu Bonsoe II saga as Ahanta West MP pushes for DNA test

    Ahanta West Member of Parliament, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, has proposed a DNA test to help resolve the longstanding dispute over the lineage and remains of the legendary Ahanta king, Nana Badu Bonsoe II.

    According to the lawmaker, a scientific verification process could provide clarity amid competing claims by several royal families over the ancestry of the revered ruler and the rightful custodianship of his remains.

    Speaking on Joy FM, Mrs Bissue said the move is necessary to avoid further controversy and bring closure to a matter that has remained unresolved for years.

    “I am pushing for a DNA. Because even if we allow it to go home, we are still going to have issues,” she stated.

    Nana Badu Bonsoe II is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most prominent anti-colonial figures. Historical accounts indicate that he fiercely resisted Dutch colonial influence in the Ahanta area during the nineteenth century, a stance that eventually led to his capture and execution in 1838.

    Following his public beheading at Busua, his severed head was taken to the Netherlands, where it remained in a museum collection for more than 170 years.

    In July 2009, the Dutch government returned the remains to Ghana after years of diplomatic engagements. However, the repatriation sparked disputes among several royal families who laid claim to the king’s lineage and the right to receive and bury his remains.

    The disagreement subsequently led to legal challenges and prolonged uncertainty over the final resting place of the celebrated Ahanta ruler.

    Mrs Bissue explained that the dispute has been complicated by the apparent loss of historical family records during the colonial era, making it difficult to establish the king’s true lineage.

    She further disclosed that restrictions previously imposed on access to the remains at the 37 Military Hospital have been lifted following engagements with the Ministry of Defence and the Presidency.

    According to her, several families had previously visited the facility to assert ownership of the remains, a situation that contributed to tensions and court interventions.

    The MP believes DNA testing involving the families making claims could provide an objective basis for determining Nana Badu Bonsoe II’s true descendants.

    She argued that such a process would not only help settle the lineage dispute but also pave the way for the dignified burial of the revered king and support efforts to resolve the broader succession issues surrounding one of Ahanta’s most historic stools.

    Her proposal comes as the Ahanta State celebrates its heritage and history through the ongoing Go Ahanta Heritage Month initiative.

  • Armah-Kofi Buah Cuts Sod for GH¢32 Million Ultra-Modern 24-Hour Market at Aiyinasi

    Armah-Kofi Buah Cuts Sod for GH¢32 Million Ultra-Modern 24-Hour Market at Aiyinasi

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art 24-hour market centre at Aiyinasi in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region.

    The ambitious project, valued at approximately GH¢32 million, is being undertaken by fast-rising construction firm MacWest Construction Limited on behalf of the Ellembelle District Assembly as part of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative aimed at boosting commerce, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

    Addressing chiefs, residents, traders and stakeholders during the sod-cutting ceremony held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described the project as a transformational intervention that would redefine trading and commercial activities within the district.

    According to him, the modern facility will provide traders and residents with a secure, well-lit and vibrant environment capable of supporting round-the-clock economic activities.

    He further urged the contractor to prioritise local labour during the construction phase to ensure that residents directly benefit from the project through employment opportunities.

    “This initiative is about creating opportunities that do not end when the sun goes down. The 24-hour economy policy is a practical approach to unlocking the enormous potential of our local markets while keeping economic activities alive within our communities,” he stated.

    The Ellembelle legislator also disclosed that government’s One Million Coders Programme would train at least 50 young people within Aiyinasi in various digital and technological fields to equip them with employable skills for the future economy.

    In addition, he announced plans to establish a palm nut processing factory within the district to further create jobs and strengthen the local economy.

    Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah commended the District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, Joseph Kwasi Armah Agyekum, for securing an additional GH¢11 million development support package for the district after the Assembly emerged as one of the best-performing assemblies in the Western Region.

    He revealed that the funds would be channelled into the construction of a district hospital at Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

    The ultra-modern market complex is expected to feature a police station, fire service station, clinic, gymnasium, supermarket, stores, transport terminal, restaurant, a branch of the Women’s Bank and several other modern facilities designed to enhance commercial convenience and security.

    Construction works are scheduled to commence officially on June 1, 2026.

    Speaking at the event, the Divisional Chief of Aiyinasi, Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people of Aiyinasi.

    “In 2016, 2020 and 2024, President Mahama visited Aiyinasi and promised us a modern market. Today, that promise has become a reality,” the chief remarked.

    He noted that the existing market, which is over 69 years old, no longer meets the growing commercial demands of the area and stressed the urgent need for a modern replacement.

    The DCE, Joseph Kwasi Armah Agyekum, also thanked the chiefs and elders of Aiyinasi for releasing the land for the project and appealed to residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure timely completion of the market.

    Assembly Members and local leaders who attended the ceremony described the project as a timely and strategic intervention for Aiyinasi, which continues to serve as a major commercial hub for many communities within the Ellembelle District.

    The government’s 24-hour economy policy remains one of its key socio-economic programmes for 2025/26, targeting urban and peri-urban commercial centres nationwide to drive productivity, create employment and reduce rural-urban migration.

  • EPA intercepts suspected smuggled cyanide consignment in anti-galamsey operation at Nkroful

    EPA intercepts suspected smuggled cyanide consignment in anti-galamsey operation at Nkroful

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with support from security personnel, has intercepted and seized a suspected smuggled consignment of sodium cyanide during an anti-galamsey operation at Nkroful in the Western Region.

    The operation forms part of intensified nationwide efforts aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and the unlawful transportation of hazardous chemicals linked to galamsey operations.

    According to the EPA, the consignment is suspected to have been intended for use in illegal gold mining activities within the enclave.

    Sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in gold extraction, is strictly regulated because of its severe risks to human health, water bodies and the environment.

    Authorities say the latest interception underscores government’s renewed crackdown on illegal mining and associated environmental crimes across mining communities.

    The EPA reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and preventing the unlawful use of dangerous chemicals in mining activities.

    The authority further assured the public that it will continue collaborating with security agencies to protect the country’s natural resources and safeguard affected communities from the environmental impact of galamsey.

  • Upgrade Gwiraman SHS into boarding school – Gwira Paramount Chief appeals to government

    Upgrade Gwiraman SHS into boarding school – Gwira Paramount Chief appeals to government

    The Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Council, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II, has appealed to the government to upgrade Gwiraman Senior High School (Gwiraman SHS) into a boarding institution to improve enrolment and academic stability.

    According to the chief, the poor state of roads in the area continues to create difficulties for students who commute daily to the school.

    Speaking during the school’s 10th anniversary celebration, Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II noted that the situation has become a major concern for parents and guardians, particularly during the rainy season.

    He explained that the deplorable roads discourage many families from enrolling their wards at the school despite its importance to communities within the Nzema enclave.

    The Paramount Chief stated that upgrading Gwiraman SHS into a boarding school would help retain students, improve academic concentration and reduce the challenges associated with long-distance travel.

    He further called on the government under President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise educational and road infrastructure development in the Gwira area.

    Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan II stressed that investment in education remains essential to the development of the area and the future of the youth.

    Gwiraman SHS continues to serve as one of the key second-cycle institutions in the area despite ongoing infrastructural challenges.

  • Charles Kwesi grateful to God after re-election as Ellembelle Presiding Member

    Charles Kwesi grateful to God after re-election as Ellembelle Presiding Member

    Hon. Charles Kwesi has expressed gratitude to Almighty God following his re-election as Presiding Member of the Ellembelle District Assembly for a second consecutive term.

    Mr. Kwesi secured 40 votes out of 41 ballots cast during the confirmation exercise, reaffirming the strong confidence assembly members have in his leadership.

    Reacting to the outcome, he described the victory as overwhelming and humbling.

    “I thank Almighty God for what He has done. It’s unbelievable,” he said shortly after the announcement of results.

    According to him, the massive endorsement was made possible through the strong relationships he has built with members of the Assembly, as well as his commitment to service and effective leadership.

    He noted that cooperation, mutual respect, and unity among members have been key in promoting smooth deliberations and advancing the development agenda of the district.

    Hon. Charles Kwesi is expected to continue overseeing proceedings of the Assembly and supporting local governance efforts in the Ellembelle District.

    His re-election is being viewed by industry players as a reflection of the trust and confidence members have in his leadership and performance during his first term in office.

  • Hon. Charles Kwasi re-elected Ellembelle Presiding Member with 99% endorsement

    Hon. Charles Kwasi re-elected Ellembelle Presiding Member with 99% endorsement

    Hon. Charles Kwasi, Assembly Member for the Tandan Electoral Area, has been re-elected as the Presiding Member of the Ellembelle District Assembly for a second term following a near-unanimous endorsement by Assembly Members.

    He secured 40 “YES” votes out of the 41 members present during the election held at the Assembly, representing 99 percent approval of his leadership.

    The Ellembelle District Assembly has a total membership of 52, with 41 members participating in the voting exercise. Only one member voted against his re-election.

    Election results:

    Total Members – 52

    Members Present – 41

    YES Votes – 40

    NO Votes – 1

    The outcome reflects the confidence reposed in Hon. Charles Kwasi by members of the Assembly to continue presiding over deliberations and supervising the Assembly’s business.

    As Presiding Member, he is expected to continue facilitating discussions, maintaining order during proceedings, and supporting policies and initiatives aimed at promoting development within the Ellembelle District.

    His re-election is viewed as a strong endorsement of his leadership style and commitment to effective local governance.

  • Eastern Nzema Chieftaincy Dispute: Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Camp Rejects Alleged Supreme Court Ruling

    Eastern Nzema Chieftaincy Dispute: Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III Camp Rejects Alleged Supreme Court Ruling

    The Secretariat of Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III has strongly refuted reports alleging that the Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed Awulae Blay IX as Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council.

    In a press statement dated May 13, 2026, the Secretariat described a publication circulating under the banner of “Nzema Today” as false, misleading, and deliberately crafted to distort the true legal standing of the ongoing Eastern Nzema chieftaincy dispute.

    According to the statement, no certified judgment from the Supreme Court has been made available to substantiate the widely circulated claims.

    The Secretariat further argued that the publication failed to provide critical legal details, including the suit number, names of the presiding panel, reliefs granted, or extracts from the purported ruling.

    It added that there has been no official confirmation from the Judicial Service of Ghana or any recognised legal reporting platform regarding such a judgment.

    “The said publication is misleading, unverified, and appears deliberately calculated to create a false public impression regarding the true legal position of the chieftaincy matters concerning the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area,” portions of the statement noted.

    The camp of Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III also maintained that there is currently no respondent before either the High Court in Sekondi or the Supreme Court officially recognised as “Awulae Blay IX.”

    According to the statement, throughout the legal proceedings, the applicant remains Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III in his capacity as Omanhene of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Council.

    The Secretariat explained that the substantive matter remains pending before the Judicial Committee of the Western Regional House of Chiefs in the case titled Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III v. Berenger Aka Flanton.

    It stressed that the Judicial Committee remains the appropriate legal forum to determine any claim by Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton to the title of “Awulae Blay IX.”

    The statement further alleged that several attempts to serve Mr. Flanton with court processes had proven unsuccessful due to what it described as “persistent evasion of service.”

    The Secretariat insisted that no court of competent jurisdiction has declared Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton as Omanhene of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.

    It therefore urged the public, traditional authorities, institutions, and stakeholders to disregard the publication until an authentic and certified court ruling is officially released.

    The statement was signed by Patrick Amihere on behalf of the Secretariat of Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III.

  • Roads Minister Terminates Contract for Bogoso-Prestea Road Project

    Roads Minister Terminates Contract for Bogoso-Prestea Road Project

    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has terminated the contract for the reconstruction of the 18.7-kilometre Bogoso-Prestea road due to the contractor’s failure to commence work.

    The decision follows growing concerns from residents and motorists over the deteriorating condition of the road, which remains one of the critical routes serving mining communities in the Western Region.

    According to sources, the contractor failed to mobilise to site and begin work despite being awarded the project to rehabilitate the stretch.

    The Bogoso-Prestea road has for years been described as being in a deplorable state, causing discomfort to commuters and affecting commercial activities within the area.

    Road users have repeatedly appealed to government to fix the road, citing frequent vehicle breakdowns, dust pollution and the increasing cost of transportation.

    The termination of the contract is expected to pave the way for government to engage a new contractor to undertake the reconstruction works.

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways is yet to announce when a new contractor will be appointed for the project.

  • Lead First Academy To Hold Free Football Scouting Program In Ellembelle

    Lead First Academy To Hold Free Football Scouting Program In Ellembelle

    Lead First Academy has announced a football scouting program aimed at discovering and developing promising young talents in the Ellembelle District and surrounding communities.

    The scouting exercise is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Eikwe Astroturf from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

    The initiative forms part of the academy’s vision to combine football, education, and character development in grooming future footballers and responsible young leaders.

    According to the organisers, the program will target players within the U13 and U15 age categories, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities before experienced scouts and youth football development personnel.

    Lead First Academy noted that the exercise is designed to identify raw talents and help young players take meaningful steps toward advancing their football careers.

    The academy further revealed that participation in the scouting program will be free of charge, a move expected to attract a large number of young footballers across the Western Region.

    Parents, guardians, and coaches have been encouraged to support talented youngsters willing to participate in the exercise.

    Interested persons can contact the organisers on 0552569469 or 0543492922 for registration and enquiries.

    The scouting program is expected to contribute positively to grassroots football development in Ghana as efforts continue to create more opportunities for young talents.