Security personnel deployed to maintain order at the burial of a chief at Kumawu Bodomase in the Ashanti Region clashed with some residents on Thursday.
Police and military personnel fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse members of chieftaincy dispute who were escorting their leader to the burial ground.
Factions in the Kumawu chieftaincy dispute sought to undue each other at the burial of the Late Akyempemhene, Oheneba Krapa Yiadom.
Some residents say security personnel accosted them on their way to the funeral ground with their leader.
They responded by throwing stones and other missiles at the police and soldiers who they alleged destroyed their chief’s umbrella.
Residents feel intimidated by the action of the security personnel against their chief.
“We plead to Otumfour and other concerned authorities to intervene, this is getting out of hands. We don’t want anyone to die over this dispute,” a resident pleaded.
A two-year old dispute over who should become the paramount chief has left residents without peace.
Two persons have been installed separately, each of them claim legitimacy.
Barima Sarfo Tweneboah who resides at Kumawu was reportedly installed by one of five kingmakers of the traditional council.
Bodomase-based Barima Tweneboah Koduah the fifth was also installed separately by the remaining four kingmakers.
He has however has been barred from holding himself as chief until he swears the oath before Asantehene.
Barima Tweneboah Koduah says he has the support of majority of the people.
” I am the true heir of the throne, the rightful successor of Tweneboah Kodua the 4th. I have sworn allegiance to 4 out of the 5 kingmakers. I’m patiently waiting for the verdict of the court over this matter. I don’t want chaos to befall my people. I want peace,”
the embattled chief said.
Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua also insists he is recognized by Manhyia Palace, having been gazetted by the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs.
