Chief of Kwahu Tafo, Nana Okogyeedom Oheneba Ntim-Barimah, recently explained the absence of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, from the National House of Chiefs. According to Nana Oheneba Ntim-Barimah, the Asantehene’s decision stems from a desire to preserve the distinct identity of the Ashanti Kingdom.
In an interview with One Ghana TV, Nana Oheneba Ntim-Barimah pointed out that participating in the National House of Chiefs would imply acceptance of the ‘paramount chief’ title imposed by the British during the colonial era.
He emphasized that this term was introduced by the British to diminish the stature of traditional rulers, reserving the title of ‘king’ exclusively for the British monarch.
Nana Oheneba Ntim-Barimah advocated for a renaming of the National House of Chiefs to the National House of Kings, aligning with the practice in other African countries like South Africa.
This, he believes, would accurately reflect the esteemed status of traditional rulers across the nation.
“We have accepted having a National House of Chief, which should be a National House of Kings. That is why the Otumfuo says he is not a member (of the National House of Chief). People would say, he is being proud but they are protecting the empire.
“We can’t call our monarchs, chief; those of us who served them can be called chiefs… read the Bible, which of the 42 kings were called chiefs. Read your bible, we have King Jehosaphat, King Hazia, King, King Jotham, King David… have you ever seen the word chief in the bible? The Bible recognises every monarch as a King,” he said in Twi.
He added, “Ashantis say Otumfuo, which means a glorious monarch; if you want to translate it to English, it means King of Kings. The ruler of Juaben is a King, the ruler of Kumawu is a King, the ruler of Agogo is a King, the ruler of Offinso is a King. And Otumfuo is the head of all of them so he is a King of Kings”.