On 5 September 2026, the heads of the Sofoase and Nkwaduano Yefri royal families of Wenchi staged a press conference in the Bono Region to protest what they described as the intimidation and purported destoolment of the Twafohene, Nana Akora Tua Adutwum Kyereme Konfour IV. The families, who still recognise him as the lawful Twafohene, demanded that any allegations against him be investigated through customary and lawful processes before any punitive action is taken.
The Twafohene had been preparing to give evidence before the Judicial Committee of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs on the proper enstoolment of a Wenchihene, a matter that has hung over the Regional House since 2019. The families feared a link between his willingness to testify and the subsequent actions taken against him, noting that “a judicial process can only ever be as honest as the witnesses who are free to walk into it.”
According to the council’s announcement, the Twafo Stool had been “overturned” to allow investigations into allegations relating to land, and the Twafohene was warned not to present himself as a sub‑chief or use the title until the matter is resolved. The families countered that allegations alone do not constitute guilt and that the Twafohene must be informed of the case and given a fair chance to respond, citing the customary principle of audi alteram partem.
Customary law holds that destoolment is a process, not a mere announcement, and that the power to remove a chief lies with the stool’s own people. The Twafo Family’s statement that it has not destooled the Twafohene underscores the gap between the council’s actions and customary recognition.
The dispute also involves a 14,000‑acre land claim that has fueled tensions among local families. The families called for an independent investigation, warning that peace in Wenchi depends on a transparent and fair resolution of the matter.
Observers say the case highlights the fragile balance between traditional authority and modern legal frameworks in Ghana’s chieftaincy system. The outcome will likely influence how customary disputes are handled across the country.
