Nkusukum Gyaasehene remanded for murder

Nkuskum,Ghana - November 1, 2024 - A tragic incident during the Odambia Festival has led to the remand of Eric Ato Appiah Mends, the 45-year-old Acting Gyaasehene of the Nkusukum Traditional Area in the Mfantseman Municipality. Mends, also known by the stool name Nana Beeyin II, allegedly shot and killed 52-year-old Kwesi Melchoir following an altercation on October 25.

The dispute is believed to have originated from a chieftaincy dispute, a longstanding issue in the region.

According to Abusuapanyin Solomon Ato Budu-Hagan, family head of the Nkusukum Amansea Twidan royal house, who recounted the incident to journalists, the conflict began over disagreements regarding a ceremonial cow slaughter, with one faction in favor and another opposed.

“What happened in Mankessim took us by surprise. The Nkusukum Traditional Council is engaged in litigation over chieftaincy issues. On day one of the festival, one faction wanted to slaughter a cow and the other faction didn’t want that to happen.

“We cautioned them severally but they never listened, leading to the incident. We want to tell the court to speed up the process for justice to prevail.”

During the court proceedings, presided over by Her Worship Anita Sheila Crabb, Mends was formally charged with murder. He has been remanded in police custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on November 11, 2024.

The Nkusukum Traditional Council is currently engaged in litigation over chieftaincy issues, which may have contributed to the tensions leading up to the incident. The council is urging the court to expedite the judicial process to ensure justice is served.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by chieftaincy disputes in Ghana. The Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, has emphasized the need for traditional councils to prioritize the codification of succession plans to prevent such disputes.

Source: Lead News Online