Eastern Regional House of Chiefs issues injunction against Baffour Osei Akoto, six others in Kwahu Chieftaincy dispute

The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has issued a landmark ruling in Suit No. JC/ERHC/P4/2025, restraining Baffour Osei Akoto and six other defendants—kingmakers of the Kwahu Paramount Stool—from presenting or recognizing Baffour Osei Akoto as the Omanhene of Kwahu.

In its ruling, the Judicial Committee of the House reaffirmed the legal and customary principle that no two individuals can simultaneously occupy the same paramount stool. To preserve the status quo and maintain order within the Kwahu Traditional Area, the Committee granted an injunction against the defendants.

The ruling specifically prohibits Baffour Osei Akoto from styling himself as Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III or purporting to be the Omanhene (Kwahuhene) of the Kwahu Traditional Area.

All seven defendants are prohibited from taking any action or engaging in conduct that interferes with the exercise of customary authority by Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the gazetted and legally recognized Omanhene of Kwahu, particularly at his official palace in Kwahu Abene.

The Committee’s decision underscores the importance of legal legitimacy and the preservation of chieftaincy structures as recognized under both law and custom. It affirms that any attempt to install a rival chief while the stool is lawfully occupied constitutes a violation of customary law and the Chieftaincy Act.

This ruling follows heightened tensions within the Kwahu Traditional Council, stemming from efforts by some kingmakers to unseat Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II without adherence to due process. The injunction now aims to prevent further disruption to traditional governance in the area.