Ngleshie-Laafa-Barima Chief challenges Nungua Mantse over statement on enstoolment authority

Nii Ayi Okufobour I, the Ngleshie-Laafa-Barima Chief, has challenged Nii Odaifio Welenchi III. Welenchi is the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs. He recently claimed that the House does not enstool chiefs.

In a video, Welenchi told Teshie chiefs and people that enstoolment is solely for traditional authorities. He added that if these authorities fail to choose leaders, they should take responsibility.

Nii Okufobour I responded over the weekend. He is also the Asafoatse (Warlord) of Weija Stool in Ga South. He said Welenchi's message was misleading and inaccurate.

“No chief can enstool another chief,” he emphasized. Enstoolment belongs to royal families, Dzaase (kingmakers), and Wolomei according to tradition. It does not involve government institutions or the Regional House of Chiefs.

He explained that the Regional House serves as a mediator and adjudicator, not an enstooling authority. They must respect their jurisdiction.

Nii Okufobour I raised concerns about questionable actions by the House in a chieftaincy dispute involving Ngleshie-Alata Paramount Stool. He mentioned Prince Asharku Quaye, who claims to be Wotse Kojo II but was rejected by the royal family and kingmakers.

He alleged that the House mishandled this case by inducting Quaye before hearing it properly. “This suggests they are enstooling a chief for Jamestown,” he stated, which is beyond their mandate.

Nii Okufobour I urges Nungua Mantse and senior chiefs to clarify these misleading statements made in Teshie. He stressed following traditional processes for installing chiefs.

“The sanctity of our customs and authority of our kingmakers must be preserved,” he concluded.