Copyright opemsuo
The Kingmakers of Asaamang have unanimously accepted the candidate nominated by the Queen to ascend the vacant male stool. Identified as Kwadwo Acheampong, he was confirmed as a member of the royal family by the Family Head, Opanin Korankye Ababio in the presence of the Kumasi Traditional Council when it convened on November 3, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. His acceptance followed the resolution of a longstanding dispute between the Queen on one side and the Family Head and some of the Kingmakers on the other side. The dispute emanated from claims by Opanin Ababio that he had been sidestepped in the selection process. He accused the Nsutahene of stoking the misunderstanding, saying he was trying to impose his choice on them. The Kingmakers for their part also accused the Queen of keeping them on the blindside of the outdooring process for the nominee. Denying the allegations, the Queen explained that she received requests from two people who expressed interest in the stool and sent for the family head to deliberate over it; however he failed thrice to show up. On the fourth occasion, she said she went by herself and ended up having the oath of Nsutahene invoked against her. The Council further heard how the Family Head purportedly slaughtered sheep to destool the Queen while she retaliated with curses. The two factions ended up before the Nsutahene who performed all the needed rites of revocation, settled all the outstanding issues and sent them home to choose a candidate to ascend the stool. On their return, she recounted that the family head persisted with his behaviour and so she got the approval of Nsutahene to carry on with the selection of the candidate. She sent for the Gyaasehene thrice intending to present her choice to him; however, he failed to honour all three. She furthered by getting the nod of Nsutahene to carry on with the outdooring without them as he sent her some emissaries to support the process, the Queen narrated. The Gyaasehene admitted to failing to show up for all three meetings with the Queen but held onto his case that he was never consulted in the entire process. Supremacy of Nsutahene In his remarks, Otumfuo schooled the Family head about the powers of Nsutahene who is his traditional uncle, adding that he has the power to determine who ascends the Asaamang Stool. “Asaamang is Nsuta’s younger brother. He can choose who becomes chief there. No one has the right to oppose him. When he requests something, I’m unable to turn him down.” The Asantehene rebuked both the kingmakers and the family for failing to report back to the Nsutahene after finding fault with the Queen’s behaviour. Family Head Has No Power Setting the record straight, the King said family heads wield no power to challenge a Queen per the custom of Asante. His Majesty stated that he is only the link between the royal family and the Queen. “Queen is enstooled with authority. She is a leader. The family head is a middleman between the Queen and family. He has no business with the Kingmakers. When there is vacancy, he assists the Queen to choose a successor. He is in no way greater than the queen. Otumfuo emphasised that family heads wields no power as he chided Opanin Ababio for taking matters into his hands to destool the Queen. “What insolence is that. That is against Asante tradition. A family head cannot destool a queen. He has no power.” Endorsements After hearing all sides, Otumfuo inquired about the said candidate who was called forward. Upon an inquisition, the Family head initially denied knowing him but on a further probe he admitted to knowing his mother who was confirmed a member of the royal house. Asked if he had objection to the character of the nominee, he responded in the negative. The same question was asked each of the Kingmakers and they also responded in the negative. On that note, Otumfuo endorsed the nomination of Acheampong as he directed all members of the factions to be present when he takes his oath of allegiances on a yet to be set date. The entire division was instructed to remain subject to the Nsutahene, while the nominee was directed to accord the kingmakers the necessary respect to ensure peace. To the Queen, Otumfuo said, “Forget the past and take the oath of peace for the sake of the community. Meanwhile, the family head was charged to take care of the nominated chief. Story by Hajara Fuseini
