The Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council has strongly condemned the recent induction of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye, also known as Oblempong Wetse Kojo II, as the Ngleshie Alata Mantse. Speaking on behalf of the council, Nii Ofei III, Divisional Chief of Kokrobitey, alleged that the induction was carried out unlawfully by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs without the knowledge or involvement of the traditional council.
According to Nii Ofei III, the process of installing a chief follows clear constitutional and customary guidelines, which were blatantly disregarded in this case. He accused the registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and its president, Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, of collaborating to impose Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye on the traditional council.
“This induction was conducted in secrecy. We only became aware of it after a letter circulated about a meeting between the Greater Accra Regional Minister and the Regional House of Chiefs. Following that meeting, they swiftly organized the induction without any consultation with the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council,” he stated.
He further expressed concern over the legitimacy of Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye’s claim to the stool, stating that a search conducted by legal professionals at the traditional council and regional house of chiefs yielded no official documents recognizing him as the rightful Mantse. The traditional council insists that there is currently no Paramount Chief of Ngleshie Alata.
“We will not accept him because he is not our Mantse. The only recognized Ngleshie Alata Mantse who bore the title Wetse Kojo II was Henry George Vanerpuye since 1939 and he is long deceased. If Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye claims to be the rightful chief, he should be Wetse Kojo III, not II. This raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of his claim,” Nii Ofei III emphasized..
The acting President he indicated is Nii Armaa kwao-Fio ll.
Beyond the chieftaincy dispute, the traditional council has linked Prince Asharku-Bruce Quaye to the violent incidents surrounding the death of the late chief priest, alleging that he mobilized land guards and armed men, leading to fatal consequences.
“We are deeply concerned for our safety. Our chief priest has already been killed under suspicious circumstances. Who is next? If the government, President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief Justice, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) do not intervene immediately, we fear there will be bloodshed,” he warned.
The youth of Ngleshie Alata have joined the traditional council in demanding justice for the chief priest’s death and calling on the government to ensure that due process is followed in the chieftaincy matters. The council also urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and bring perpetrators of the chief priest’s murder to justice.
With legal cases regarding the stool still pending in court, the council has reiterated that any attempt to impose an unrecognized chief could escalate tensions in the community. They are calling for an immediate review of the chieftaincy declaration process and strict adherence to traditional and constitutional procedures.
