Original Article By GhanaQuest Correspondent
Modernity seems to have reduced the role of chieftaincy in Ghana. And although it is now but a shadow of its former self, the cultural, socioeconomic and political significance of the institution continues to determine the progress of some of the people. Thus the vacancy created by the demise of some traditional rulers of Okajakrom has been of great concern to the citizens for a while. A concern that can now be put to rest following the installation of some new traditional rulers, to aid traditional administration of Okadjakrom.
Mr Wilberforce-Wilbur Kwasi Obitrim, a 41-year-old civil servant was enstooled as new Gyasehene of Okadjakrom,. Nana Aniwah Obitrim III, a technical officer of the Jasikan District office of the NIA succeeds Nana Aniwah Essuma II, who passed on two years ago. Nana Obitrim, clad in black regalia, was taken through traditional rites amidst the ‘pouring’ of libation and the slaughtering of a white sheep, signifying peaceful ascension to the stool. The witnesses to this event at the town square were much elated to see Nana Obitrim ushered into his new position.
The Chieftaincy’s Fealty To The People and A Call To Action
Nana Obitrim swore his oath of allegiance to Osabarima Antwi Agyei V, chief of Okadjakrom, and Nana Agyei Quansah, the Amankrado of the town, and acknowledged the presence of heads of the seven clans of the community. In a speech of gratitude, Nana Obitrim thanked the people and traditional rulers for the confidence reposed in him, stating “I pledge to promote peace, unity and development towards the progress of the town.”
In a related development, Mavis Nyarko, a 33-year-old seamstress, has also been installed Gyasehemaa of Okadjakrom, with the stool name Nana Aniwabea II. The Gyasehemaa, who was adorned in a black traditional cloth, also went through similar customary rites. She swore the oath of allegiance to Nana Bekoe Agyeibea III, Queen Mother of Okadjakrom, and Nana Yaa Dukuwah, female Amankrado of the town.
Osabarima Agyei V, Twafohene of Buem, afterwards introduced Okyeame Shadrack Bani Coleman, 50, linguist to the Gyasehene to the people. Osabarima further advised the newly-installed traditional rulers to “unite and mobilise the people for development, especially in terms of education and sanitation.” He appealed to the people to give the new rulers the needed support to discharge their duties, adding, “The new leaders cannot deliver their mandate without your support”.
