‘Help resolve, and end chieftaincy dispute’ – Nzema chiefs tell Armah-Buah

Concerned chiefs and elders from the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, within the Ellembelle Constituency of the Western Region, have appealed to their Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, to assist in resolving a long-standing chieftaincy dispute. They encourage their MP, who holds the position of Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to use his influence to foster peace and unity in the region, rather than take sides in the conflict.

The chiefs have urged President John Mahama to intervene and refrain from allowing political interference in the traditional affairs of Eastern Nzema. At a press conference in Takoradi on Friday, the chiefs warned that the ongoing dispute had created an atmosphere of tension and insecurity, forcing the police to take over the Omanhene's palace, making it difficult for the Gazetted Omanhene Awulae Amihere Kpanyili to access the facility.

Divisional Chief of Salman in Ellembelle, Nana Kwamina Bentum II, emphasized that the MP should collaborate with traditional authorities to find a resolution, stressing the importance of preserving the peace and stability of Eastern Nzema. He cautioned against the use of political gains or the misuse of public authority in the name of expedience.

Nana Kwamina Bentum II also called for the protection of the chieftaincy institution's dignity, warning against manipulation by individuals for their political ambitions or control over local communities. Other speakers, such as Nana Nwia Etease VI, Chief of Baku and Head of the Gyaase, and Nana Morkeh Kpanyinli IV, Chief of Ngalekyi, echoed similar concerns, stating that the involvement of political actors in chieftaincy disputes could exacerbate existing divisions instead of promoting reconciliation.

The chiefs reiterated their plea for the MP and other political leaders to support efforts to restore peace and safeguard the traditional institution from further division.