Kwahu Youth demand action against paramount chief amid extortion allegations

Kwahu, Eastern Region, Ghana -The Kwahu Traditional Area in Ghana's Eastern Region saw hundreds of youth protest against Paramount Chief Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II on Saturday, October 12, 2024. 

The demonstration followed his forced resignation as Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) Board Chairman amid allegations of abuse of office and extortion.

Donning red and black, the youth marched to the palace, presenting a petition to Queen Mother Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III. They urged swift action against the Paramount Chief, citing damage to the chieftaincy institution's reputation and public ridicule.

The Bank of Ghana ordered the Chief's resignation after a businessman accused him of extorting GH₵2 million. The Bank stated that his continued role had become "untenable" due to the "irreparable damage" to ADB's image.

The youth demand decisive action from the Queen Mother and Kwahu Adontenhene within seven days to restore the kingdom's sanctity. Failure to act will prompt further protests.

“As clearly stated and labelled in the letter from the Bank of Ghana, demanding his immediate resignation, it is of public knowledge that it sought to suggest that Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II (Kwahumanhene) continuous hold of office as the board chairman had become "untenable due to the irreparable damage it had caused the image of the bank".

“We are affected as the youth of Kwahu and anticipate the same for all people of Kwahu descent everywhere, as such aspersions have and will continue to dent our highly built reputations as respected Kwahus in the eyes of right-thinking Ghanaians both at home and around the globe.”

“It is our hope that Nananom [Traditional leaders] are able to expedite action on this in the next 7 days without any further delays'', they stated.

Receiving the petition, the Queen Mother promised investigation and action.

“Thank you for your good intentions and the case you've brought before me. If God permits, I won't rest on it. I will let you know the feedback. I haven't seen my son, but wherever he's gone to, he will return. I will ask him about the details of the issue and how this got out there in the public domain. I have not heard of the issue, so that's how best I can put it for now. If I knew about the issue then I could speak to it fully, so I would be a liar if I addressed the issue. So, I assure you that you will hear from me, thank you,” she assured.

The allegations stem from Collins Darkwah Aboagye's petition, claiming the Chief secured an ADB loan in exchange for GH₵50,000 and GH₵2 million.

Source: Lead News Online