Offinso Traditional Area recently witnessed the formal induction of a new paramount chief, 68-year-old Nana Amoako Poku, whose stool name was unveiled as Nana Dwamena Akenten II.
In adherence to tradition, the new Offinsohene took the oath before chiefs and the community, followed by a ceremonial drive through the town’s main streets, as captured in a video sighted online.
A robust security presence, comprising police personnel and armed soldiers, accompanied the chief as he waved to the enthusiastic crowd.
Amid cheers from the people, there was a resounding acknowledgment that Nana Dwamena Akenten II was the long-awaited leader they had yearned for. He takes the mantle from Nana Wiafe Akenten, who served as paramount chief from 1946 to 2021.
The formal announcement of the new paramount chief took place during the final Asanteman Council meeting of 2023, presided over by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
This declaration marked the resolution of a protracted dispute, during which Otumfuo rejected the Queen’s preferred candidate on three occasions.
The Queen Mother, unable to nominate a qualified royal for the vacant stool, was absent during the announcement. Instead, the responsibility fell on Kwakwaboa Abusuapanyin, Opanyin Yaw Nkrumah Adusah, who introduced Nana Amoako Poku as the new Offinsohene.
Despite three opportunities given to the Queen Mother to nominate a candidate, her choice of Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong, a former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), was contested due to his not hailing from the royal family.
In accordance with Asante tradition, the Abusuapanyin stepped in to nominate a candidate, leading to the introduction of Nana Amoako Poku.
Here are five key facts about the Offinsohene-elect
1.Royal heritage
Nana Amoako Poku, according to GhanaWeb checks hails from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family, cementing his connection to the historical lineage of the Offinso Traditional Area.
2.Agricultural excellence
He boasts the title of a one-time best farmer in the Offinso district. Nana was declared Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly.
3.Curator of Asante heritage
Nana Amoako Poku is renowned for his role as a curator of Asante heritage according to a Graphic online report.
4.Timber merchant
Beyond his royal and cultural roles, Nana Amoako Poku is engaged in timber trading as cited in a report by Opemsuo radio.
5. Otumfuo Kekabuosohene
Nana Poku till his elevation was also a servant at Manhyia Palace where he was Otumfuo’s Kekabuosohene as cited in a report by ofma.gov.gh
Leave a Reply