Tension is brewing in Doryumu, a community in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, following a protracted chieftaincy dispute.
The situation has reportedly created fear and unease among residents, disrupting daily life and threatening peace in the area.
The conflict is said to have arisen after the death of a former chief, with allegations that a non-royal is attempting to occupy the Hiowe Gblaka stool.
Although the royal family maintains that all customary rites have been duly performed to install a legitimate chief, Nene Lanimo Okle Amponsah (Borseh), a rival faction has also purportedly enstooled another individual, deepening divisions within the community.
Nene Lanimo Okle Amponsah (Borseh), legitimate occupant of the Hiowe Gblaka stool, Doryumu
The family has accused one Simpim Aferdi Katamanso Yilagbeye of unlawfully presenting himself as chief and allegedly using force to intimidate members of the Hiowe Gblaka family.
Addressing a press conference, elders of the Hiowe Gblaka family called for urgent intervention by the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, urging the deployment of security personnel to restore calm and maintain law and order.
Hiowe Gblaka family at the press conference
Stool elder Nomo Matthew Tetteh Narkertey stressed that the community cannot have two chiefs, underscoring the need for immediate security presence to prevent further escalation.
“We have installed a legitimate chief, Nene Lanimo Okle Amponsah. He has gone through all the necessary customary processes. Anyone else parading as chief is an imposter,” he stated.
Stool elder Nomo Matthew Tetteh Narkertey
Similarly, a kingmaker and head of the Oloviwem family, Stephen Olovi Narkertey, raised concerns over alleged acts of intimidation by the rival faction.
He claimed that the said individual has been using landguards and armed men to harass members of the Hiowe Gblaka family.
According to him, on Thursday, April 29, the rival claimant allegedly fired gunshots into the family house, causing panic, particularly among the elderly.
Stephen Olovi Narkertey, Abusuapayin of Oloviwem family
He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to peace and development, cautioning that continued unrest could deter investment and hinder growth in the community.
The youth of Doryumu have also expressed concern over the escalating tensions and are calling for calm and peaceful resolution of the dispute.
The ongoing conflict has prompted calls from residents and stakeholders for swift intervention by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and relevant traditional authorities to prevent further escalation.
By 1960news.com
