How Pokuase Dzaasetse disrupted ceremony to lift ban on noise-making



On Thursday, a ceremony in Pokuase intended to lift the ban on drumming and noise-making was disrupted by Nii Offei Nkwanta Bisah, the Dzaasetse of Pokuase, along with some elders and youth groups. This has led to widespread criticism against him.


Reports indicate that Nii Offei Nkwanta Bisah, Asafo group and some principal members of the Dodoo Clottey family deliberately ignored traditional protocol by occupying seats reserved for Nii Oto Kwame’s delegation, who had arrived earlier.


This action reportedly angered Nii Oto Kwame's followers, who resisted the perceived intimidation, leading to a significant delay in the ceremony's start and a near-violent confrontation.


The situation escalated into physical altercations between supporters of both factions, with police intervening to restore order. 


The Dzaasetse's supporters claim that Nii Oto Kwame IV has been dethroned and therefore lacks the authority to act as Mantse of Pokuase or to perform the ritual to lift the ban.


However, Nii Oto Kwame IV strongly refutes these claims, asserting that no traditional ritual has been performed to remove him from his position.


He told reporters, "They are claiming they have destooled me but no traditional ritual has been performed to that effect. If you want to remove a gazetted chief there are laid down procedures, This is not dictated by individual whims or the pursuit of personal gratification."


The disturbances prolonged the event for over three hours, characterized by accusations, counter-accusations, and sporadic gunshots from the Asafo group.


Despite the unrest, a strong security presence eventually allowed the Dzaasetse to lead the ceremony and perform the final ritual to lift the ban. 


This outcome pleased his supporters but angered the opposing faction. 


Consequently, Nii Oto Kwame and his elders have announced their intention to file a petition with the Ga and National House of Chiefs to ensure accountability for the disruption.


Nii Oto Kwame accuses the Dzaasetse and his elders always the youth in the community to foment trouble in Pokuase and its surrounding areas.


He also cautioned security agencies against taking sides in the ongoing traditional impasse, urging them to serve all parties equally.

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