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Tension in Manso Kensere:Residents Appeal to Asantehene for Urgent Traditional Intervention
Traditional authorities,residents seek clarity over chieftaincy claims and traditional jurisdiction as community calls for peace
By:Justice Baffour Awuah/DailyWatchGH.com
Traditional authorities,opinion leaders and residents of Manso Kensere in the Ashanti Region have made a respectful appeal to the Asantehene,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,through Asafohene,Acheamfour Agyemang Bonsu,to intervene in an emerging traditional leadership dispute in the community.
The appeal was made during a press briefing held at the Manso Kensere Chief’s Palace,where the residents expressed concerns about recent developments surrounding traditional leadership and the authority under which the community operates.
According to the residents,the situation has created uncertainty and uneasiness among members of the community,particularly following the activities of Nana Kwaku Dua,whom they describe as a self-acclaimed chief and who,according to their account,hails from Ayerebikrom,another community.
The residents allege that Nana Kwaku Dua is seeking to exercise traditional authority in Manso Kensere despite the existence of a chief,Nana Fosu Kwayie Siaw, currently serving the community.
They stressed,however,that their concern is not intended to disrespect Nana Kwaku Dua or any traditional authority,but rather to seek clarity through the appropriate customary channels and prevent the situation from developing into a conflict.
Residents Call for Clarification on Traditional Jurisdiction
At the centre of the residents’ concerns is the question of the traditional jurisdiction under which Manso Kensere falls.
They are therefore appealing to the appropriate traditional authorities to clarify whether Manso Kensere comes under the authority of Manso Nkwantamanhene,Nana Bi Kusi Appiah or Asafohene Acheamfour Agyemang Bonsu and to explain the established traditional arrangements governing the community.
The residents believe that a clear pronouncement from the appropriate traditional authority would help eliminate uncertainty,settle competing interpretations and provide guidance to all parties.
They said such clarification would also help prevent individuals from taking actions that could potentially create confusion or division within the community.
Concerns Over the Role of Non-Residents
The residents also raised concerns about what they described as the increasing involvement of persons from outside Manso Kensere in matters relating to the community’s traditional leadership.
They maintained that issues concerning chieftaincy,customary authority and traditional administration are matters that must be handled through the established customs,traditions and recognised traditional structures of the area.
They therefore called on all persons involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions,pronouncements or confrontations that could heighten tensions.
Appeal for Peace and Respect for Custom
Despite the concerns raised,the traditional authorities and residents emphasised that their primary objective is to preserve peace,unity and stability in Manso Kensere.
They appealed to all parties to refrain from confrontation and instead allow the appropriate traditional authorities to investigate the matter and provide the necessary direction.
The residents further called on the youth,elders,opinion leaders and all stakeholders in the community to remain calm and avoid acts that could undermine the peace of the area.
“We are appealing for peace, unity and clarity. We do not want misunderstanding or conflict in our community.
We respectfully call on the appropriate traditional authorities to intervene and clarify the matter so that everyone will understand the rightful traditional arrangements governing Manso Kensere.”
Call on Otumfuo for Intervention
The residents believe that the intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,through the appropriate traditional channels,could help bring the various parties together and provide a peaceful resolution to the concerns.
They said a clear traditional directive would not only help establish the appropriate customary arrangements but also restore confidence among residents and prevent unnecessary tension.
They consequently appealed to Asafohene Acheamfour Agyemang Bonsu and other relevant traditional authorities to give the matter the necessary attention and help facilitate dialogue among the parties.
The residents reiterated their respect for the Asante Kingdom,its traditional institutions and established customary processes,stressing that they have no intention of undermining any traditional authority.
They said their appeal is fundamentally about ensuring that the people of Manso Kensere live in peace and that traditional leadership matters are handled through the appropriate customary procedures.
As the community awaits clarification from the relevant traditional authorities,residents have been urged to remain calm,exercise patience and avoid confrontation.
The people of Manso Kensere,according to the appeal,remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved amicably,peacefully and in accordance with Asante customary traditions,in the interest of unity and the future development of the community.
This version deliberately avoids presenting the allegations as established facts and gives the traditional authorities an opportunity to clarify the matter,which makes it safer and more professional for publication.
