Kuntenase Paramount Chief Destools Dwenase Odikro Over Land Fraud, Cultural Offenses; Two Sub-Chiefs Suspended
In a decisive move to protect tradition and restore public trust, the Paramount Chief of Kuntenase, Barima Amankwah Adunan Ababio II, has destooled Nana Owusu Kutri Ampem, the Odikro of Kuntenase-Dwenase, over serious allegations of misconduct.
The decision, announced during a special sitting at the Kuntenase Palace, follows findings that Nana Owusu Kutri Ampem engaged in acts of land fraud, abused his office, and violated long-standing cultural norms. One of the most outrageous acts cited was his unilateral pronouncement that goat rearing was forbidden in Dwenase—an assertion traditional authorities described as baseless and deceitful. Residents allege that under this pretext, the Odikro forcibly seized and slaughtered 32 goats for his personal consumption and gain.
In addition to the destoolment, Barima Amankwah Adunan Ababio II ordered the indefinite suspension of the Benkumhene and Ntotoehene of Dwenase, accusing them of aiding and abetting the Odikro’s misconduct.
Speaking to the press after the announcement, Kyeame Nana Gyamfi Kumanin, linguist to the Omanhene, stressed that leadership within the traditional system must be grounded in honesty, respect for customs, and service to the people.
“The Kuntenase Traditional Council cannot and will not tolerate behavior that brings shame upon our cherished traditions,” he said.
The action taken by the Omanhene has been met with widespread approval, particularly from the Oyoko Royal Family of Kuntenase-Dwenase.
Mr. Kwabena Ameyaw, a respected elder of the family, told journalists that the destoolment was both timely and necessary.
“We commend the Omanhene for his leadership. The dignity of our stool and the welfare of our people must always come first,” he remarked.
The Kuntenase Traditional Council has indicated that further steps will be taken to ensure that new leadership in Dwenase reflects the highest standards of accountability and respect for custom.
