Techiman (B/A), Oct. 22, GNA - Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw 1V, Omanhene of Techiman Traditional Area, has called for calm and restraint among the people as efforts were made to resolve chieftaincy disputes in the area.

He emphasized that the area abound in resources, which if properly harnessed with a united front, could help accelerate the development of the area and an improvement in the lives of the people. The Omanhene was speaking to newsmen over allegations by some people in the area that he had been the cause of chieftaincy disputes in some areas since he assumed his reign.

He dismissed the allegations, saying that as Omanhene and thus overlord, he only acted to ensure that the proper Akan procedure on the ascension of stools was strictly adhered to so as to prevent instances when non royals were made chiefs.

The Kwatrako royal family of Timponim had alleged that since the Omanhene came on the throne, succession laws had not been followed, adding that the situation was creating uneasiness among the people in the traditional area.

Addressing newsmen earlier at Timponim, near Techiman, Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Fordjour, an elder of the Kwatrako royal family and an evangelist of the Dwankobea Ministry, appealed to the authorities to ensure security in the area and prevent the uneasy calm from exploding into mayhem.

He alleged that there had been regular threats on the lives of his family members who had exercised restraint in the face of such provocations and accused the Omanhene of being the brain behind chieftaincy disputes at Tuobodom, Aworowa, Forikrom, Twimia-Nkwanta, Tanoso and Timponim. Mr Fordjour stressed that royal families should be allowed to observe and choose their own chiefs in their areas.