The queen mother of the Sekondi Traditional Area, Nana Efua Ahima, says the local council of elders is working towards installing a chief as quickly as possible.
Sekondi has not had a chief for 17 years – that is, not since the passing of Nana Awuah Duku in 2003.
Sadly, attempts since then to choose a new chief have only divided the royal families of Sekondi.
Courtly matters
Although some factions have gone to court to seek clarity on how to select the legitimate heir to the throne, there has been no success yet.
At present, the seat is occupied by Nana Barima Kojo Asare, chief of Fijai, who was appointed by the council of elders to rule in the interim.
Many have blamed the area’s kingmakers for the impasse but most of all they blame the queen mother.
Although she acknowledges their concerns, Nana Efua Ahima says a solution will soon be found.
“I get worried when people attack me [and accuse me] of not doing anything. But the issue is in court, which will be dealt with to pave the way for installation of a new chief,” she said.
Things “not normal”
“Though things are not normal, to get an acting chief is better than none, and the people should be reassured that Sekondi will get a new chief,” she told a reporter for AsaaseRadio.com.
She also assured the people of Sekondi that their interests are aligned with hers and that they will get their chief.
“I am aware of happenings here in Sekondi. I am aware of what people say about this town. Some have gone as far as saying this ancient town of Sekondi is dead because there is no chief.
“Spiritually, they may be right, because every space needs a leader and we have not had one for a very long time,” she conceded. “But I will urge them to believe in me and my elders as we find a lasting solution to the problem.
“We all want the same thing for Sekondi. They will get their chief,” the Nana Ahima said.
Atsu Boye
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