Sekondi, Nov.25, GNA - Eight out of the 12 people who allegedly attempted to destool Nana Nkoa Okumdum II, Omanhene of Sefwi-Wiawso Traditional area in July this year, have appeared before a Sekondi Magistrate court.

They were charged with holding procession through the streets of Sefwi-Wiawso without police permit, unlawful assembly and breach of peace.

Pleas of the suspects were not taken and granted 15 million cedis bail each to re-appear on December 12.

They included Nana Aduah Panyin II, Queenmother of Sefwi-Wiawso, Nana Kojo Owusu, Twafohene, Nana Yaw Ntaadu; chief of Sefwi-Boizan, Nana Kwame Kesse; chief of Sefwi-Kojokrom, Nana Kwame Nkrumah; chief of Sefwi-Bodi.

Others were Nana Kwesi Gyebi; chief of Sefwi-Sui, Nana Kweku Duku; chief of Sefwi-Kokookrom and Okyeame Tano Kuma. The court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Nana Adu Tawiah; Gyaasehene, Nana Ata Yaw; chief of Sefwi-Benchimaa, Nana Boakye Ababio and Mr. John Chicka for failing to appear before the court. Mrs Jessie Borquaye, Assistant Superintendent of Police told the crowded court that the accused persons, led by Nana Aduah Panyin, on July 22 this year, slaughtered a sheep on the street of Sefwi-Wiawso to signify the destoolment of Nana Nkoa Okumdom, the Omanhene.

She said on September 8, the accused persons organised a durbar at Dwenease, a suburb of Sefwi-Wiawso and announced the destoolment of the Omanhene in contravention of the Chieftaincy Act 370. ASP Borquaye said at the durbar the accused persons introduced Mr. John Chicka as a successor to the Omanhene.

She said these actions resulted in bloody disturbances that compelled the Western Regional Security Council to despatch security personnel to Sefwi-Wiawso to maintain peace and order. ASP Borquaye said the accused persons were arrested after police investigations into the disturbances and charged with the offences.