The Judicial Committee of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has been formally petitioned to investigate the legitimacy of Daasebre Twum Ampofo II, also known as Edward Boakye Fordjour, over his enstoolment as Chief of Asiakwa.

The petitioners argue that Daasebre Twum Ampofo II was neither properly nominated by the Queen Mother of Asiakwa nor drawn from the recognised royal lineage eligible to occupy the Asiakwa Stool.

If established, they contend, his installation would amount to a grave breach of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), as well as long-standing Akan customary law.

As of the time of reporting, the current occupant of the stool has neither responded formally to the petition nor entered an appearance before the Judicial Committee.

Attempts by journalists to obtain his comments have so far proved unsuccessful, further intensifying public debate over the legitimacy of his claim.

The petition was filed by the Asiakwa–Barekese Royal Family of the Oyoko Clan, led by the Queen Mother of Asiakwa. Observers describe the move as a major escalation in a long-running dispute surrounding one of the most influential stools in the Akyem Abuakwa State—the Nifahene Stool.

A Stool Rooted in History


According to the petitioners, the Asiakwa Stool dates back to the 17th century. It was founded by Nana Agyemang Panin and his two sisters, royals of the Oyoko Clan from Asante, who settled in Asiakwa after the Ntim Gyakari War. Through strategic marriages and political alliances, the lineage forged strong ties with the Akyem Abuakwa State, leading to the elevation of the Agyemang Panin Stool as head of the Nifa (Right-Wing) Division.

Despite historical interruptions—including a temporary relocation to Barekese in Asante—the royal lineage and authority of the Asiakwa Stool, the petitioners insist, have remained intact. They point to the enduring recognition of the stool by both the Okyehene of Akyem Abuakwa and the Asantehene as evidence of its sustained royal status.

Claims of Customary Violations


Central to the petition is the assertion that Daasebre Twum Ampofo II’s enstoolment violated both statute and custom. The petitioners maintain that he was not nominated by the Queen Mother and does not belong to the matrilineal descendants of the Agyemang Panin Stool, a requirement under Akan customary law.

On this basis, they describe his installation as a “customary nullity,” arguing that he lacks the authority to occupy the stool or perform its associated functions.

Wider Implications for Okyeman


As Nifahene, the Asiakwahene serves as the military and administrative head of the Right-Wing Division of Akyem Abuakwa. The petitioners warn that any defect in the legitimacy of this office could undermine customary governance, disrupt ritual and administrative duties, and deepen divisions within the Asiakwa community and the wider Okyeman area.

Reliefs Being Sought


The Asiakwa–Barekese Royal Family is asking the Judicial Committee to:

  • Declare the enstoolment of the respondent null and void;

  • Restrain him from holding himself out as Asiakwahene; and

  • Bar him from performing any functions linked to the Agyemang Panin Stool and the Nifa Division.

The Judicial Committee has confirmed receipt of the petition and has summoned the respondent to appear.

As proceedings unfold, the National House of Chiefs and members of the Akyem Abuakwa community are watching closely, hopeful that the outcome will safeguard the integrity of the stool and uphold both customary law and the Chieftaincy Act.