The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has made a firm commitment to prevent any attempt by the Queen Mother of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, to monetarily benefit from the appointment of a new Offinso Stool holder. Otumfuo has expressed awareness of alleged bribes given to the Offinsohemaa and certain elders by a candidate expressing interest in the stool, but he firmly opposes their agenda.
He conveyed this message during a meeting with the leaders of the Offinso Traditional Council at his court on Thursday, October 19, 2023. Otumfuo emphasized that he has only tolerated the queen mother due to her relationship with his late mother, but her recent actions have revealed her true character. He asserted that he will not allow anyone to sell the Offinso stool.
Earlier this month, Otumfuo had issued a stern warning to Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko regarding her actions and attempts to impose a candidate on the Offinso Stool. He vowed not to tolerate any actions by the queen and the elders that undermine Asanteman’s traditions in the selection of chiefs.
Otumfuo stated that no one has the right to sell land in the absence of an Offinsohene, and that the Offinsohene must authorize such transactions. He urged caution in Offinso, warning the queen mother of her alleged plot to install a new chief while he was away.
The quest for a new Offinsohene began after the passing of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, the late Paramount Chief of Offinso, which led to a dispute over his successor. A candidate chosen by the queen mother, with the support of some elders, including Dr. K. K. Sarpong, a former CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), has been rejected by Otumfuo. Otumfuo contested the presentation of K. K. Sarpong as a candidate based on royal lineage, emphasizing that history and tradition contradict this claim. He warned Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the Offinso elders to present their candidate through the appropriate process or risk permanent rejection.
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