Akropong Akuapem, Jan. 5 GNA- Osabarima Opese Konadu II, newly installed chief of Awukugua in the Akuapem North District has swore the oath of allegiance to the Okuapemhene, Oseeadeyo Addo Dankwa II, and his elders at Akropong.

Osabarima Opese Konadu II, known in private life as Mr George Kwasi Obuobi, an Accountant by profession, was installed a few weeks ago to replace Nana Asare Brempong II, who was customarily destooled by the kingmakers four years ago.

The installation on Thursday, amidst dancing and jubilation, brought to a close a 24- year- old chieftaincy dispute in the town.

Osabarima Opese Konadu was blessed by Oseeadeyo Addo Dankwa II, who directed the ceremony and poured libation to the ancestors to guide the new chief.

Addressing the people of Awukugua at durbar, the new chief expressed his appreciation to the kingmakers for the confidence reposed in him and said he would bring development to the area and unite the people.

Osabarima Opese Konadu said he was saddened by the protracted chieftaincy dispute in the town, which had stalled the development agenda of the area.

He appealed to the people to forget the past and support him to lift the image of the town, urging them to see themselves as one people with a common destiny.

The chief gave the assurance that he would operate an open door policy to welcome all views to promote the community in diverse ways to restore its lost glory.

He expressed dissatisfaction that Akuapem, which used to be a peaceful area, had now been plagued with chieftaincy disputes, adding: “I wish all the disputes would come to an end for the people of Akuapem to come together once again.”

Nana Kantinka Addi, Mponuahene of Awukugua, who spoke on behalf of the sub-chiefs congratulated the new chief and urged him to use his rich experience to promote the development agenda of the area.

It would be recalled that Nana Asare Brempong was installed chief of the town in 1988 by a group who did not have that authority.

The Judicial Committee of the Akuapem Traditional Council later declared his selection and installation null and void after a petition from some sub-chiefs of the area.

Nana Asare Brempong not satisfied with the traditional council ruling appealed to the Koforidua High Court twice but lost all the appeals.

In 2005 the court ordered him to hand over all property to the rightful kingmakers, but he refused and was customarily destooled in 2008.