The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has dismissed a petition seeking the destoolment of Ankobeahene of Begoro, Barfuor Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, for endorsing John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During a session held in chambers on Monday, February 19, 2024, both the petitioners and the respondent were “advised” on the matter.
The writ of summons, signed by D. M Ofori-Atta, the Secretary of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, was issued at the behest of petitioners including Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, Otweresohene/Odau, Okyeame Owusu, and Barfuor Sakyi Amankwaa II representing the Begoro stool.
They accused Nana Owiredu Agyarko Minta II of bringing disrepute to the Begoro stool by engaging in partisan politics.
The petition alleges that during a campaign event attended by John Mahama, the Ankobeahene purported to represent Nananom and the people of Begoro, made statements in favour of the NDC flagbearer.
These statements included endorsements of John Mahama as the next President of Ghana, advocating for the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy, and urging vigilance against alleged vote rigging by the current government.
Among the reliefs sought by the petitioners were an order of destoolment, nullification of the Ankobeahene’s conduct, a public recantation of the alleged comments, an apology to the petitioners and the people of Begoro, and punitive customary sanctions if found liable.
In response, Baffuor Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, through his counsel, Isaac M. Larbi, ESQ, filed a motion to set aside the petition, citing jurisdictional issues and questioning the capacity of the petitioners.
The affidavit supporting the motion filed by Ankobeahene’s counsel argues that the petitioners cannot initiate destoolment proceedings as they are not recognized kingmakers within his family.
Furthermore, it contends that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee, per legal stipulations.
“I object to the issuance of the petition on [the] grounds that the petitioners lack the capacity to institute the instant petition as they are not kingmakers within my family to qualify them to institute destoolment proceedings against me,” parts of the affidavit read.