A coalition of aggrieved members from Nmati Abonase, Abese, and Leshie divisions in La has accused Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, of alleged “illegal and inappropriate” actions that interfere with the chieftaincy affairs of La.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition during a press conference on November 5, 2024, Nii Obour Fred Afful claimed the minister had disregarded legal protocols, exerted undue influence on traditional matters, and threatened peace within the community.

The coalition outlined a history of disputes over chieftaincy matters in La from 2014 to 2019, which prompted judicial processes within the La Traditional Council.

He alleged that Asamoah Boateng attempted to circumvent the ongoing legal processes by pressuring the Council to admit individuals with unresolved legitimacy issues as chiefs.

According to the coalition, in a meeting held earlier this year, the minister allegedly instructed members of the La Traditional Council to include Kwade Okropong of Abese and Adjei Boahen of Nmati Abonase in the council, despite pending cases challenging their chieftaincy claims.

The coalition asserted that the minister’s directive was issued without full consideration of due process.

A subsequent letter from the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs further reinforced this request, which the La Traditional Council members initially opposed.

Nii reported that, despite multiple communications and legal clarifications from the Council’s lawyers, Boateng proceeded to suspend the La Traditional Council in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in September.

This suspension has reportedly stirred tensions and division within La, prompting accusations and even confrontations between groups within the community.

“He acted inappropriately by suspending the La Traditional Council with the lame excuse of it lacking the requisite numbers to function properly.

“Couldn't they have managed with the five chiefs on Council who have no issues, and expedite action to constitute a Judicial Committee for the cases pending to be adjudicated on, rather than to force people who do not qualify to be chiefs under the laws of Ghana to be admitted into the La Traditional Council?

“If the Greater Accra Regional House Chiefs is functioning with six chiefs, why can't the La Traditional Council function with five chiefs?

“One may also ask if all Traditional Councils in Ghana have requisite numbers to function properly, and if not, why haven't they been suspended and only La Traditional was suspended,” he said.

A recent meeting called by the Greater Accra Regional Minister on November 1, 2024, brought stakeholders together in hopes of resolving the matter.

However, the coalition described the meeting as highly contentious, accusing Boateng of exhibiting “bias, improper conduct, and extreme arrogance.”

They allege that he claimed he would disregard legal processes in favour of his directives, further stating that he would “ignore even the President” if asked to reconsider his decision.

The coalition has vowed to resist what it perceives as interference in La’s chieftaincy matters and has called upon President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to intervene.

They argue that such conduct could harm the government’s reputation and lead to further instability.

In response, representatives of Nmati Abonase and Leshie divisions, Daniel Tetteh and Nii Laryea Winner, stated they intend to petition the President to address Boateng’s actions, which they believe threaten the community's peace and traditional integrity.

“Asamoah Boateng said during the meeting at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council that he has the backing of the President and Cabinet.

“We do not believe that statement of his, since the President we know to be an astute lawyer and a seasoned human rights activist, will not support and condone such conduct and illegality.

“Asamoah Boateng's contemptuous and illegal conduct is undeserving of a public officer and as such a Minister of State, and will bring the image of the government into disrepute if he is allowed to carry through with his actions.

“We shall therefore petition the President to call Asamoah Boateng to order and deal with him on his inappropriate and illegal conduct .”



AM/KA