Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso traditional area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has been elected as the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs to serve a four-year term.

He beat stiff competition from Nana Kwesi Agyeamang IX, the Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove traditional area who has been the acting until Thursday.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi polled eight votes as against the seven votes secured by Nana Agyeamang.

The 66-year-old newly elected president, known in private life as Francis Kofi Adjei, attended the Sefwi Wiawso Teacher Training College and the University of Cape Coast where he read B-Com and diploma in education. He holds an executive masters degree in alternative dispute resolution and is a chartered accountant.

Paramount Chief of Eastern Nzema traditional area, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinlle III, was also elected over the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano, Okogyeaman kwaku Gyamprah III, as the Vice President of the House in the election supervised by the Electoral Commission.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V of Essikado, Awulae Atti Brukusu III, Awulae Amihere Kpanyinlle III of Eastern Nzema, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II of sefwi Anhwiaso and Awulae Annor Adjaye III, of Western Nzema were also elected out of nine other paramount chiefs to represent the Western Region at the National House of Chiefs.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi was sworn into office by Justice Peter Ababio, a High Court judge at Sekondi. In his acceptance speech, he commended his predecessor for building a foundation that would enable his administration to build on for the benefit of the next generation and the Western Region in general.

He also pledged to work hard to establish alternative disputes resolution committees to address the issue of chieftaincy disputes in the region.

Ogyeahoho Gyebi has meanwhile called for an all hands on deck approach to help fight against the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which has affected the Western Region.