Medical Doctors at the Eastern Regional Hospital have amputated the leg of 39-year-old man Eric Kwabena Boafo alias Wayaas who sustained a gunshot injury during chieftaincy clashes at Akropong-Akuapem Saturday, August 6, 2022.
Eric Boafo was shot in the left leg around the fascia side of the knee.
He was rushed to Medicas Hospital in Akuapem- Mampong where the condition was stabilized before being referred to the Eastern regional hospital.
The injured leg was amputated Tuesday, August 9, 2022.
The Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Anderson Fosu Ackah led an entourage of investigators to visit the victim to take his statement.
The Brother of the victim, Fianko Bekoe Solomon said the family wants justice to be served.
“We thank God that he did not lose his life. Yes indeed he has been amputated but we have strengthened ourselves. We believe once there is life there is something good for him ahead. Again, we appeal to everyone to ensure there is justice “.
Eric Boafo was shot on Saturday, August 6, 2022, when Baamuhene of Akropong Nana Afari Bampoe and his traditional army allegedly stormed the Okuapehemaa’s palace for breaching the ban on noise making by organizing a one-week anniversary for the late Barima Asante Amiri, Abusuapanyin of Nketiaa Royal Family and Amanonehene of Akuapem.
The Queen-mother of Okuapeman Nana Obuor Nketia was present at the anniversary when the confusion and gunshot occurred but escaped unhurt
Armed Police rushed to the scene to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the Baamuhene of Akropong-Akuapem, Nana Afari Bampoe said he was rather attacked by strange gun and machete-wielding men when he attempted to perform rituals on “Fofie Amanfoso” in the Okuapehemaa’s palace.
Akuapem traditional Council performed “Adaebutuw” on August 3, 2022, banning all forms of noise-making activities including drumming, funeral, burial, and mourning for six weeks ahead of the Odwira festival to be celebrated on 12th September to 18th September 2022.
Cancellation of Odwira durbar
The Acting President of Akuapem Traditional Council Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II has strongly defended the council’s decision to cancel the Odwira durbar this year.
According to Otoobuor Djan Kwasi II who is Adontenhene for Okuapeman, the decision is to avoid escalation of tension and conflict in the traditional area owing to a petition by the Queen-mother of Okuapeman, Nana Obuor Nketia pending before the national House of Chiefs challenging the legitimacy of Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
“Now that the matter has not been determined we have to ensure there is no conflict in Okuapeman. We the divisional chiefs don’t have any problem with the Chief (embattled Okuapehene) it is rather the Asona family. I am Aduana, I can’t be Okuapehene because I am not Asona. Now because he is not the one who presides over traditional council meetings so if you are not presiding over council meetings which power will you use to celebrate the Odwira festival? So their press releases have indicated clearly how the Odwira should be celebrated stating that the durbar on Friday and the carrying of Chief in palanquin have been cancelled so has Otoobuor’s decision been turned down or upheld? Who say man no dey …Man dey !! “, Aburihene said.
Otoobuor Djan Kwasi refuted claim that he dislikes Okuapehene.
“Everyone is aware of what has happened in Okuapeman. I am not the one saying it. I don’t belong to the Asona Clan. I can’t be Okuapehene neither I am an Akyem to be Okuapehene. I am Adontenhene and Aburihene which I am content with. I don’t envy anyone but we are speaking about customs and traditions. We all love our chief (Okuapehene). However, what has happened (litigation ) is not between him and Adontenhene. It is rather between him and his own grandmother Okuapehemaa. It is the Okuapehemaa who nominates Okuapehene so if there is a disagreement between them, those of us around should help foster peace and unity than to accuse me of supporting a party in the case. I have said but let me emphasize that it is Queen-mother who enstools a chief !! ” Aburihene said.
Aburihene continued “After the demise of Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa, all minutes of meetings attended by the Sakyiabea family are with me. The name that popped up to be enstooled is Odehye Kwasi Akuffo the current Okuapehene. So what again? so as acting President of Akuapem traditional council with all these records what again? but it is a case that has been filed at the Regional House of Chiefs which I am not President there. Now the case is at National House of Chiefs which I am not President there too, so we are waiting for their ruling so if the ruling affirms Okuapehene’s legitimacy, I will call a traditional Council meeting and hand over all his powers to him”
However, Okuapehene Ankobeahene, Nana Yaw Sakyi has debunked speculations that the 2022 Odwira festival has been cancelled.
He told the media that, the celebration of the Odwira festival is inevitable therefore it cannot be cancelled or banned however can be adjusted during pandemics, and litigation among others.
He, therefore, emphasized that the 2022 Odwira festival is coming off as planned but there will not be durbar and carrying of chiefs.
“I have not heard this strange statement before that Odwira has been cancelled. Odwira cannot be cancelled because it is part of our tradition and custom. It can be adjusted to suit situations like pandemics, when a chief is dead or there is litigation on that note some things like durbar or carrying chiefs may not be done. Odwira is not only for the chiefs every stool that celebrates Odwira observes it. Odwira is a significant festival” the Okyenhene Ankobeahene said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
