Kumasi - Asantehene Destools Queen Mother of Offinso Over Gross Insubordination.

In a decisive move, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has destooled the queen mother of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, for gross insubordination to the kingdom. The destoolment, announced on Thursday, January 11, 2024, marks the first such action by the occupant of the Golden Stool in 2024.

Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko's fall from grace stems from her repeated refusal to appear before the Asantehene despite multiple summons regarding a series of misconduct allegations. This defiance culminated in her removal from the position, a stark message of the Asantehene's commitment to upholding order and respect within the traditional authority.

New Chief Sworn In, Admonished to Find New Queen Mother

Nana Dwamena Akenteng II, the newly enstooled chief of Offinso, took his oath of allegiance before the Asanteman Council following the queen's mother's destoolment. During the ceremony, the Asantehene emphasized the need for a new queen mother to support the chief's rule. "I deliver the town into your hands alone. You have no queen mother. Find a new queen mother to help you undertake your mandate when you have settled down. We need a queen mother who will be present here when we need her," the Asantehene declared.

Offinso Stool Controversy: A Saga of Disputed Nominations

The Offinso stool has been embroiled in controversy since the death of Nana Wiafe Akenten III in October 2021. The queen mother, alongside other kingmakers, initially nominated Dr. Desmond Kofi Koduah Sarpong for the position, sparking protests from another faction claiming his ineligibility due to non-royal lineage.

An investigation by the Asante Traditional Council confirmed the ineligibility of Dr. Koduah Sarpong, further fueling tensions and prompting the Asantehene to direct the royals to select a new candidate.

Nana Amoako Poku Emerges as New Offinso Chief

On December 18, 2023, the dispute was finally resolved with the royal family presenting Nana Amoako Opoku to the Asantehene for enstoolment. Nana Amoako Poku, a renowned farmer and curator of Asante history, hails from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family and was declared the 2020 Offinso Municipal Best Farmer.

A Strong Message from the Golden Stool

The destoolment of Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the subsequent pronouncements by the Asantehene send a clear message: misconduct and insubordination will not be tolerated within the Asantehene's domain. The new chief, Nana Amoako Poku, now faces the challenge of uniting the Offinso Traditional Area and leading it forward with the support of a new queen mother chosen according to Asante tradition.

This development signifies the continued importance of the Asantehene's authority in maintaining order and resolving disputes within the traditional Ghanaian society. As the dust settles in Offinso, all eyes will be on the new chief and his ability to navigate the challenges ahead and lead the community toward a brighter future.