On 12 October, Rev. Richard Tagoe, a 44‑year‑old minister of the International Central Gospel Church based in Belgium, was enstooled as the Amanonehene of Abotakyi in the Akuapem Traditional Area of the Eastern Region. The ceremony, held at the Abotakyi chief’s palace, saw the new titleholder carried shoulder‑high and paraded through the town’s main streets amid cheers, drumming and dancing.
During the rites, Nana Ohene Tagoe I swore an oath of allegiance to the town’s chief, Nana Kwame Sakyi Ababio II, and pledged to mobilise diaspora support and attract investment for Abotakyi’s development. The chief and elders explained that the Amanonehene title was created to strengthen ties with indigenes abroad and to channel resources for local projects.
Chief Ababio highlighted Tagoe’s previous support for the community and his willingness to raise funds from the diaspora as key reasons for his selection. He urged the new Amanonehene to remain truthful in his fundraising efforts, noting that as a reverend minister, honesty would be essential.
In an interview following the ceremony, Nana Ohene Tagoe I stated that he would use his position to promote infrastructure development, attract investors, create employment opportunities and reduce unemployment and teenage pregnancy rates in the town. He said he intended to connect Abotakyi with business‑minded people willing to invest in projects that could benefit local livelihoods.
The appointment is expected to strengthen Abotakyi’s engagement with its diaspora, as traditional leaders increasingly seek external support for development and economic opportunities. The town’s elders and chief expressed confidence that the new Amanonehene’s background and generosity would help secure the needed resources.
Moving forward, Nana Ohene Tagoe I will work closely with the chief’s council and diaspora networks to identify and implement projects that will benefit Abotakyi’s residents. The community awaits the first tangible outcomes of his pledge to bring investment and employment to the area.
