Okyehene, Etweresohene Accused Of Breaching Chieftaincy Act 759

The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe have been accused of violating the country’s chieftaincy laws by allegedly continuously recognising and openly allowing a convicted individual to parade as a chief.

The accusations center on Kofi Frimpong, a former stool occupant of Banka, who was allegedly convicted for fraud but is said to still operate within the traditional authority structure.

Read below the full statement signed by Kwadwo Appiah, Director, Justice for the Development of Banka):

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin - Okyehene - and Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe -Etweresohene - Are in Material Breach of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759, Section 57(2).

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin - Okyehene - and Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe -Etweresohene - Are in Material Breach of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759, Section 57(2)

This publication sets out grave and legally actionable concerns regarding the conduct of Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe - Their continued allowance, endorsement, and facilitation of Kofi Frimpong - a convicted individual formerly holding the stool name Osabarima Twiampoma III of Banka - constitutes a clear, sustained, and indefensible violation of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759, Section 57(2).

The law is explicit and leaves no room for interpretation: “A person does not qualify as a chief if that person has been convicted… for an offence involving fraud.” This statutory prohibition is absolute. Any deviation is unlawful. Any tolerance is complicity. Any continued recognition is a direct breach of legal duty.

Despite this, Kofi Frimpong continues to act, represent, and operate in the capacity of a chief with the knowledge and acquiescence of Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council. This is not an administrative oversight - it is a willful disregard of binding law. Such conduct amounts to institutional misconduct and brings the chieftaincy institution into disrepute.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s conduct constitutes:

- Dereliction of duty;

- Abuse of traditional authority;

- Failure to uphold statutory obligations;

- Active facilitation of unlawful representation.

The factual record is clear and uncontested.

In 2011, Kofi Frimpong, while serving as chief of Banka and as a left vanguard chief to Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, unlawfully appropriated a cheque in the amount of US$150,000.00 issued by the late Ebenezer Baah Asare Quansah, Managing Director of Gulf Coast Resources Limited. These funds were designated for community development. This act constitutes fraud of a serious nature.

Further compounding this matter is Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s obstructive conduct during proceedings between 2023 and 2024. After directing the filing of a writ with the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and accepting associated fees, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin later disclaimed jurisdiction, resulting in procedural delay and obstruction. This pattern raises serious concerns regarding procedural integrity and abuse of authority.

At a meeting convened with Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin at his palace in Kyebi, six members of the Banka delegation were arrested on what can only be characterized as a baseless and improperly motivated charge initiated by Abontendomhene, Osabarima Marfo Kwabrane. These individuals were subsequently taken into custody by the Kyebi Police, where they were subjected to degrading and unlawful treatment by Inspector Sam, including being forcibly stripped to their underwear. Photographs of these individuals, taken while in this vulnerable state, were then disseminated on the WhatsApp platform used by Kyebi chiefs.

This conduct constitutes a serious violation of fundamental rights, including dignity, privacy, and protection from degrading treatment. The actions described are not merely inappropriate - they are abusive, unlawful, and potentially criminal in nature, warranting immediate scrutiny and accountability.

Proceedings held at Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s Adabraka Office and at his palace in Kyebi, which were intended to resolve this matter, failed to produce lawful outcomes and instead contributed to delay and uncertainty. In contrast, it was the sustained efforts of the Banka community, together with the intervention of the State, that ultimately resulted in Kofi Frimpong’s conviction.

Following due legal process, Kofi Frimpong was prosecuted by the Office of Public Prosecution under the Ministry of the Attorney General and Justice. On 23 July 2023, Her Ladyship Justice Comfort Tasiame convicted and sentenced Kofi Frimpong to three months imprisonment at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison. This conviction triggers automatic disqualification under Act 759. There is no legal ambiguity. Kofi Frimpong is disqualified. His continued recognition is unlawful.

In her oral ruling, Justice Tasiame explicitly informed Kofi Frimpong that, by operation of law, he ceased to hold the position of chief upon conviction. This statement was not advisory - it was a direct application of the governing legal framework, which renders his continued claim to chieftaincy null and void.

Kofi Frimpong’s disqualification is therefore not a matter of interpretation or discretion; it is a settled legal fact. In addition, his conduct has irreparably eroded public trust and confidence within the community he purported to serve. As a result, he lacks both the legal standing and the moral authority to lead, represent, or act in any capacity associated with chieftaincy.

Notwithstanding a lawful conviction, Kofi Frimpong has been permitted to re-enter the inner circle of traditional authority and continues to operate with apparent legitimacy. This is unacceptable.

On 12 March 2026, acting under the direction of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin and in the presence of Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi, the chief of Etwereso, Kofi Frimpong purported to deputize on behalf of Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin to install Nana Kwabena Amankwaah as chief of Akyem Kyia. This action is legally indefensible. At the time of this event, Kofi Frimpong had already been convicted of a disqualifying offence and, by operation of law, was no longer eligible to hold or exercise any function of chieftaincy. His participation in such a ceremony renders the process fundamentally flawed and raises serious questions regarding its validity.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s decision to authorize or permit Kofi Frimpong’s involvement demonstrates a clear lapse in judgment and a failure to uphold statutory obligations. The issue is not one of perception but of legal compliance: the continued reliance on a disqualified individual is incompatible with the requirements of the Chieftaincy Act.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s pattern of conduct - including delay, inaction, and inconsistent responses to a matter governed by clear legal provisions - raises legitimate concerns regarding governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. Where statutory obligations are explicit, any deviation invites scrutiny and necessitates explanation.

It must be stated clearly: any reliance on a gazette or prior recognition following a criminal conviction does not preserve status. Upon conviction for a disqualifying offence, such recognition is rendered legally ineffective. Accordingly, any attempt by Kofi Frimpong to continue to present himself as a chief, or to act in any delegated capacity, is without legal foundation.

By permitting Kofi Frimpong to continue operating in proximity to traditional authority, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin - Okyehene has enabled conduct that is inconsistent with both statutory law and the foundational principles of chieftaincy. This does not merely raise reputational concerns - it constitutes a failure to uphold the integrity of the office and the institution it represents.

The continued tolerance, facilitation, or reintroduction of a convicted individual into traditional authority structures is not neutral conduct - it is a violation of law. The consequences are clear: the institution has been compromised, the rule of law has been undermined, and accountability is now required.

Compliance is required on or before 31 April 2026.

Take notice that if immediate and verifiable steps are not taken to bring this matter into full compliance with the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), including the formal removal of Kofi Frimpong from any role, function, or representation associated with chieftaincy, and the public clarification of his disqualification, this will leave no alternative but to pursue all available legal and administrative remedies.

Such remedies will include, without limitation, formal petitions to the appropriate traditional and statutory authorities, escalation to the National House of Chiefs, and the initiation of proceedings before the competent courts for enforcement, review, and any other relief deemed appropriate.

This constitutes final notice. Continued inaction, delay, or non-compliance will be interpreted as a knowing and deliberate violation of statutory law and will be addressed accordingly.

Accordingly, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin is hereby called upon to take immediate and decisive action:

1. Issue a formal public communiqué unequivocally disassociating from Kofi Frimpong;

2. Revoke all authority, representation, and deputization granted to Kofi Frimpong;

3. Initiate and complete destoolment proceedings without delay;

4. Provide written confirmation of compliance with Act 759.

Failure to act will constitute a continued and knowing violation of statutory law. Such inaction will leave affected parties with no reasonable alternative but to pursue all available legal remedies, including but not limited to judicial review, formal petitions to the National House of Chiefs, and escalation through the appropriate courts.

This is not a matter of discretion. It is a matter of law. Compliance is not optional.

Thank you,

Kwadwo Appiah – Director (Justice for the Development of Banka).