The Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, a recognized traditional authority in Osu, has rejected media reports claiming Ishmael Adumuah was endorsed as the traditional representative for the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly.
The Dzaase issued a press release to address what it described as misleading publications attributed to an entity called the Osu Stool Council.
“We wish to debunk and condemn some publications in sections of the media in which reference is made to Osu Stool Council as having endorsed one Ishmael Adumuah as the Traditional Representative for the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly,” the statement read.
The Dzaase argued that no such body as the Osu Stool Council holds legitimacy, pointing instead to the Osu Traditional Council, established under the Chieftaincy Act, and the Osu Stool, comprising the four quarters of Kinkawe, Ashante, Anorhor, and Alata, as the valid traditional entities.
They urged the public to dismiss any claims originating from the so-called Osu Stool Council.
The statement suggested Bernard Botchway, who claims the title Nortse Ni Nortey Owuo IV and styles himself as Osu Mantse on social media, might be behind the disputed reports.
“We have cause to suspect that one gentleman who goes by the name, Bernard Botchway is behind those publications (if indeed the statement was from the so-called Osu Stool Council) because he claims to be the President of the Osu Stool Council on social media pages associated with him,” the Dzaase stated.
Botchway’s actions according to the Dzaase have faced legal challenges, with the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs restraining him from presenting himself as Osu Mantse. The Dzaase also linked Botchway to Ishmael Adumuah, the dismissed Oshiahene of Osu, alleging Adumuah supported Botchway’s claim to the Osu Mantse title. Adumuah’s own standing the Dzaase noted has been undermined by court rulings, including a 2023 High Court decision dismissing his bid to be recognized as Osu’s Regent and affirming his prior suspension as Oshiahene by Dzaasetse Ni Saban Atsen VII.
On the matter of the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly, the Dzaase emphasized that Adumuah, who was not a gazetted chief even before his dismissal, lacks their endorsement. They have instead nominated two gazetted chiefs for the role and appealed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to honor their selection.
“The Dzaase has nominated two gazetted Chiefs to be considered as representatives of the traditional authorities on the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly, and we wish to appeal to the NDC to respect our wishes and choices,” the statement declared.
Signed by key Dzaase members, including the Dzaasetse and heads of various family lineages, the release concluded by cautioning media, government officials, and the public against engaging with Botchway or Adumuah on Osu Stool matters, highlighting ongoing tensions over traditional leadership and representation.
GA/KA
You can also watch Godfred Dame’s full speech on legal case withdrawals below: