Accra (Greater Accra) 23 July '99

Okyenhene Nananom Nkabom Kuo, an association of chiefs of Kyebi traditional area, on Thursday criticised the National House of Chiefs for electing a successor of its late President, Okyenhene Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku, and called for its reversal.

In a statement signed by Nana Fredua Agyeman Okontomere, President of the association, the group said "We find it culturally and traditionally offensive that the National House of Chiefs could make such a move when their late President has not been buried.

"Need we remind our chiefs that traditionally a successor is not chosen until the burial of the person?

"We find it most unfortunate, if not disgraceful, that the House, the umbrella body of the custodians of our culture and traditions, should accord such gross disrespect and contempt to the memory of the Okyenhene, Okyeman and chieftaincy in general."

The group demanded an unqualified apology from Nana Akuoko Sarpong, Presidential Staffer for Chieftaincy Affairs, for witnessing the event and Odeefuo Boa Amposem, the new President of the house.