Wa, Dec. 8, GNA - Five of the seven king makers of the Wala Traditional Area have elected Kuntulo-Naa Alhaji Issah Seidu of the Yijisi royal gate as the new Wa Naa and Paramount Chief of the area. He succeeds the late Naa Yakubu Seidu Soale 11 of the Nakpaha gate who died on September 3.

A declaration endorsed by the five kingmakers and made available to the Ghana News Agency said the new chief would be known as Wa-Naa Ahaji Issah Seidu 111.

The declaration said, "in accordance with customary practice and usage of the Wala Traditional Area and by the traditional and customary powers vested on us, we declare that on this day Monday 4th December, 2006, Naa Alhaji Issah Seidu Kuntulo-Naa of Yijisi royal gate is duly elected and enskinned as Wa Naa"

It added that, "Wa-Naa Alhaji Issah Seidu 111's authority is paramount and final in all traditional matters within the Wala Traditional Area in as far as the proper practices are followed and that authority is not exercised capriciously".

The five king makers are Fujoli Naa Alhaji Bukari, Rejent of Busa for the Yijisi royal gate, Mamakpon Daguna, Head of the Najeri royal gate, Sing Naa Saaka Mumuni, Head of the Jonyuosi royal gate, Yeri Naa Seidu Dago, Chief of Muslims in Wa and the Foroko, Alhaji Iddrisu Mahama who is responsible for placing the crown on any new chief of Wa. of the election and are backing a rival contestant.