Tensions in Offinso escalated once again as youth in the area prevented Nana Kwaku Poku, a former nail cutter of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, from performing traditional rites at the palace.
The youth, who have vowed not to allow any customary activities until the chieftaincy dispute is resolved, disrupted the Awukudae observance and barred his entry into the sacred spiritual room.
Despite police intervention, they resisted all attempts to restore order, leaving the palace in turmoil.
In the heat of the confrontation, the Gyaasehene, Nana Kwaku Tabi, who defended Nana Kwaku Poku, was reportedly assaulted. Eyewitnesses say he threw the first blow but was overpowered by a group of women who stripped him of his traditional attire, forcing him to flee nearly unclothed.
This dramatic scene further fueled tensions, reinforcing the youth’s determination to resist any attempts to impose a leader they do not recognize.
The youth accuse the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs of deliberately delaying a ruling on the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, which has been pending for three years without a single sitting. They insist that the failure to address the case undermines justice and threatens peace in the area.
They have consequently locked the palace to prevent further rituals or actions they deem illegitimate, fearing that any such moves could provoke further unrest or spiritual repercussions.
With the situation reaching a boiling point, youth leader Kofi Nkansah has called on the Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Ahmed Ibrahim, to expedite the hearing of the case. He warned that if the issue remains unresolved, Offinso could face unrest similar to the infamous Bawku conflict.
The call for urgent intervention underscores growing frustrations over what many see as a deliberate attempt to sideline their concerns and deny them a fair resolution.
