DUNKWAHENE STANDS FIRM: FUNERAL RULES IN DUNKWA REMAIN IN FORCE DESPITE DENKYIRAHENE’S INTERVENTION
Dunkwahene, Okofroe Robuor Obeng Nuako II, together with his Elders, has reaffirmed the enforcement of funeral rules and regulations in Dunkwa, despite recent pronouncements by Odeefuo Boa Amponsem V, Denkyirahene, declaring otherwise.
The rules and regulations, instituted by Dunkwahene in collaboration with the Municipal Security Council, local Pastors, and other stakeholders, were designed to streamline funeral celebrations in Dunkwa. They aim to reduce escalating funeral costs and ease the burden on out-of-town sympathizers who often travel long distances weekly to console bereaved families.
According to the Dunkwahene and his Elders, these funeral arrangements have been successfully upheld for some time without challenges and were intended strictly for the Dunkwa community, not the broader Denkyira State.
However, the Nananom of Obeng Nuako Ahenfie have expressed dismay at a recent statement from the Denkyira Traditional Council suggesting that the funeral regulations in Dunkwa had been nullified. This development is seen as contradictory to the Denkyirahene’s recent maiden address in Dunkwa, where he pledged to unify all Denkyiras.
In response, Dunkwahene has emphasized his constitutional authority as the custodian of Dunkwa Stool Lands to enact rules and regulations within his jurisdiction. He stressed that such decisions are for the orderly management and development of Dunkwa and must be respected by all.
“It should be clearly understood that the funeral rules and regulations remain in full force. Anyone who flouts them will have no access to burial grounds within Dunkwa. Such individuals may either approach the Denkyira Traditional Council for burial arrangements or take the deceased to their hometown for interment,” Dunkwahene stated.
Dunkwahene has also called on all Odikros in Dunkwa to enforce adherence to these regulations in their respective communities. He underscored that no person or group is permitted to collect money from residents of Dunkwa without the prior knowledge and consent of Dunkwahene, with the exception of government-imposed levies from the Municipal Assembly.
The Dunkwahene concluded by asserting that decisions made with his Elders regarding Dunkwa’s development are meant solely for the town and not for Denkyira as a whole, and as such, should be observed and respected as such.
This firm stance by Dunkwahene marks a significant moment in the governance of Dunkwa, highlighting the balance between local autonomy and broader traditional authority, and underscores the ongoing efforts to manage cultural practices responsibly while reducing social and financial pressures on residents.
