Wenchi Royal Families call for urgent resolution of Wenchihene dispute

The Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri Royal Families of Wenchi have appealed to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and other relevant institutions to expedite the determination of the long-running dispute concerning the Wenchihene stool.

In a statement dated September 5, 2026, the families said the substantive matter had remained unresolved since 2019, a situation they believe has contributed to uncertainty and tension within the Wenchi Traditional Area.

The dispute relates to questions surrounding the nomination and enstoolment of Kwaku Damoah as Wenchihene, with the matter having been brought before the appropriate customary and judicial institutions for consideration.

The families said the unresolved matter had also coincided with concerns over other traditional stools, customary lands and aspects of traditional authority within Wenchiman.

Among the issues they highlighted was the reported suspension of the Twafo Stool and what they described as the reported destoolment of the Twafohene, Nana Akora Tua Adutwum Kyereme Konfour IV.

According to the families, the Twafohene had been prepared to appear before the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs to provide his account of customary processes relating to the enstoolment of a Wenchihene.

They called for any concerns and allegations involving the Twafohene to be addressed through the appropriate customary and lawful procedures, with all parties given the opportunity to be heard.

The families also raised concerns about what they described as a reported allocation of approximately 14,000 acres of customary land associated with various families and lineages to an individual. They urged that any such land-related matters be examined transparently and in accordance with applicable law and customary practice.

They further appealed for restraint in relation to the sale, allocation or other dealings in disputed customary lands until the respective interests of affected families and lineages have been properly established by the appropriate authorities.

On environmental concerns, the families referred to reports of mining-related activities around Twrontwo near Atuna and their alleged impact on the Tain River.

They said reports before them contained allegations concerning mining operations, excavated areas, environmental degradation and payments purportedly connected to the activities. The families stressed that the claims remain matters for proper investigation and determination and called for an independent assessment of the situation.

They also urged relevant authorities to give attention to the protection of the Tain River and the restoration of any areas found to have been adversely affected, citing the river’s importance to communities in the area.

The statement further referenced reported disagreements involving other traditional areas, including Awisa, Akrobi and Wurompo. The families expressed concern that unresolved competing claims relating to traditional authority could contribute to further uncertainty if not addressed through the appropriate channels.

The royal families appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and avoid violence, threats, intimidation or any conduct capable of escalating tensions while the various matters are being considered by the relevant institutions.

They said their intervention was intended to promote peace, unity and stability in Wenchiman, rather than deepen existing divisions.