Open Letter to Kumawuhemaa

Dear Nana Hemaa,
I am one of your subjects resident in Den Haag, the Netherlands. I am very much alarmed about the ongoing events in Kumawu that raise an eyebrow. I think I had better communicate my views, and suggest the way forward that may help extricate the Kumawu traditional area from the chieftaincy impasse it finds itself deeply embedded. I would normally not bother you if it was not for the fear of posterity judging us negatively, and holding us accountable for our actions and inactions.

You may have noted that Kumawu traditional area, the land of our birth, is lagging miles behind Kumasi in every aspect of social, economic and infrastructural development. Have you ever bothered yourself for a second in a quiet moment musing over the reasons why? You may also be aware that Kumawu once contested with Kumasi for selection to be the capital of the Great Ashanti Kingdom. Kumawu's failure to clinch that title is shrouded in mystery, and further expatiation on that subject matter had better be assigned to our renowned historians. The present dilapidated state of Kumawu is nowhere near commensurable with its audacious rich history. Kumawu in its current deplorable state falls way back behind its historical achievements at battlefields. It also doesn't reflect its position as one of the most respected senior members in the Asante Union. Whatever the reason behind the stagnation or the retrogression of Kumawu may not only be blamed on our ageing traditional conservatism but also, on the nonchalance of all and sundry.

Much as the nation's Constitution obliges the provision of rights and privileges for every citizen, much the same way does it require of same citizen responsibilities and duties towards their nation. It is also consequent upon this fact that I feel it necessary to make my views known to you. I would rather prefer to be blamed for being an outspoken active citizen to being a timid, bad or passive citizen.

I am very much persuaded that laid down traditional procedural protocol on nominating and selecting a successor paramount chief was flouted. Or else, the disputation over who is eligible to rule wouldn't surface in the first place. There is a solution to every problem if and only if, the various disputing factions will sit at the round table to sort things out amicably. Furthermore, there should be equitable treatment of all the royal families regardless of how rich or poor one may be. To hit the nail right in the head, the paramount throne must be rotated among all the eligible royal families but not to be seen to be monopolised or hijacked by only one family as it appears now. Respect to the subjects is also required of our traditional leaders.

It is not in the least interest of anyone to read copiously about Kumawu in the electronic and print media nothing but insults and the exposure of the weaknesses, but not the strengths of Kumawu. Changing that negative perception about the Kumawu traditional area equally rests on your broad shoulders. You are strongly advised to apologise to those royal families you may have wronged through underestimation. And note, "Initial assumptions are not always correct". You may have assumed how weak, poor, and ignorant probably some royal families are, or, were, and so treated them with disdain. Now, here we are sitting with scorching embers on our palm.

I am of the hope that if my advice falls on listening ears, all will be well with Kumawu traditional area sooner. You can reach me at aduagyei@yahoo.com

Sincerely yours,

Adu Agyei

   Comments0