The new traditional leaders admitted into Yilo Krobo Traditional Council in a group photo
Seven traditional leaders from the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area of the Eastern Region have been inaugurated as members of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Council as part of efforts to enhance traditional governance within the Area.
The leaders including two divisional chiefs, two Asafoatseme, two Dadematseme and one Manye were formally admitted into the august house after successfully completing all legal requirements, including registration and gazetting, at a ceremony aimed at reinforcing their authority and recognizing them under the laws of Ghana.
Those inaugurated included Nene Anyeenorgu Teye Agor IX, Nene Madjan Kenetey, Asafoatse Tetteh Kofi Karikari, Asafoatse Bedu Opata Korley, Dadematse Kwao Stephen Tetteh, Dadematse Kwao-Kumah Yohuno and Manye Marku Zuta.
Paramount Chief of the Yilo Krobo Traditional Area, Oklepeme Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II who supervised the ceremony, while emphasizing the significance of formal registration and the need to gazette chiefs, explained that the processes were essential to enable the chiefs operate legally and hence legitimize their authority before the law.
“If you’re a chief and you’re not registered, you can’t work with the law or be recognized by it,” he said. “When it comes to adjudicating matters, if you’re not gazetted, the law courts can overturn your decisions. But when you’re registered, gazetted, and have taken all the necessary oaths, your authority is legally enforceable.”
The chief encouraged other traditional leaders, who are yet to register, to ensure that they satisfy all requirements to enable them undergo the process.
Somanya High Court Judge, Justice Frank AWK Nawura, administered the oaths of office, secrecy, and allegiance to the leaders at the event held at the Somanya palace.
Chiefs selected to serve on the Traditional Council’s Judicial Committee were also made to take the judicial oath.
In his remarks, Justice Nawura described the occasion as a sacred one, urging the chiefs to serve with integrity, transparency, and selflessness.
“You are about to pledge yourself to a sacred trust placed in you by our ancestors, by tradition, and by the community. Let honesty and a strong moral compass guide your leadership,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving tradition and customs, and urged the newly inaugurated chiefs to be accessible, fair, and accountable to their people.
On his part, the Divisional Chief of Okper, Nene Anyeenorgu Teye Agor IX in an interview after the ceremony, explained that legal recognition through gazetting was crucial in resolving chieftaincy disputes and reinforcing legitimate authority.
He noted: When you’re enstooled but not registered or gazetted, you’re limited in decision-making and cannot adjudicate cases but once you’re gazetted, no third party can legally claim your title.”
He warned that anyone who falsely claimed to be chief of Okper now risked being cited for contempt of court.
The traditional leader underscored his dedication to peace and development in the Yilo Krobo area and called for support from his community.
“We need unity to drive development, and I am counting on the people of Okper to work with me,” said the chief.
