Kwamanghene Swears Allegiance to Otumfuo

The Paramount Chief of Kwamang Traditional Council, Nana Debrah Boateng Bediako, has sworn allegiance to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.

The oath was taken on October 16, 2025, before the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Counsel
Otumfuo advised the new chief to bring honour to his stool as he affirmed that, “There is nothing like a small stool. What you do will either elevate or demote the stool.”

His Majesty also encouraged him to consult his elders to develop the town while availing himself of their help with clarity over the stool.

“Come to me for clarity with whatever baffles your mind for peace to reign…Don’t let those who supported you regret. Chieftaincy is humility, not pride. I hate arrogance. Be down to earth, and Kwamang will elevate you.”

Meanwhile, the King charged the stool elders to offer sound counsel and direction to the leader.

Places to Avoid
The King further warned Nana Debrah against setting foot in six specific locations, including Sebusu, where Kumawuhene Barima Sakan fell to his death and was buried.

“Never set foot in the place where Kumawuhene Sakan fell to his death. He was buried in the same place where he died. He doesn’t know the history, but I will tell him later. Kumawuhene Sakan gave them a place to live. Don’t go there.”

The Asantehene also cautioned him to avoid Deduako, Sabrum, Anose, Abodease, and Atonsu.

Counselling the chief, His Majesty charged the Family head to take the young traditional ruler through the nitty-gritty of the stool and its history to save him from making a gruesome mistake.

“Two of your predecessors went there and died miserably. I want you to know today. I decided to sit with his predecessor and Kumawuhene to address it, but he unfortunately passed on.”

Otumfuo also warned the stool elders from pushing the chief to his grave.

“Don’t let my grandson fall victim.”

History
Narrating the history of the Aduana clan of Kwamang, Otumfuo said they originally moved from Assumegya to Offinso and then, with the help of Kenyaasehemaa Adoma Atuapim, settled at a place called Okyerekrom.

“When they grew in numbers, they went back to Kenyasehemaa to find them a new place to live. She facilitated your movement to Kumawu, where you were received by Kumawuhene.”

His Majesty said this was at a time Beposohene and Barima Kumawuhene had shared Atonsu, which they had taken away from Atebubuhene after jointly waging a war against him.

“When your people arrived, Kumawuhene gave you his portion of the land, which is your present location.”
Kumawu Fight Nsuta, His Son
Asantehene further highlighted how Kumawuhene fought his son, Nsutahene Agyin Frimpong, for the people of Kwamang.

“Disputes arose between Nsutahene and the Kwamang people, which forced Kumawu to wage war against his son. Kumawuhene then relocated you to Kuntunsi. All because his son was against you.”

Ingratitude
Otumfuo then addressed ingratitude on the part of Kwamang along the way, which transcended to the current dispensation.

“He accepted you as a brother from the same clan, Aduana. I won’t allow Barima to cheat you, but I will make you aware of the truth so that you don’t trespass…There is a lingering court case with Kumawuhene. I will call them and address it. Don’t be an ingrate.”

Barima Title
The Asantehene clarified that the “Barima” title used by some traditional authorities who have ascended the Kwamang male stool was not conferred in accordance with tradition.

This makes its use illegitimate, His Majesty indicated.

His Majesty drew out the history of how the self-acclaimed title came about.

“Your grandfather, Kwame Ayensua, was Dikro for Kumawuhene at the time of the Akatamanso war. He went to that war with Kumawuhene. When they returned, he illegitimately conferred the title Barima on himself because, according to him, he had gone to war with Barima Kumawuhene.”

Otumfuo stated that this was against tradition.

“That is not right. They stopped using the title, but recent occupants of the stool have gone back for the title.”

His Majesty said the stool got elevated to paramountcy in the recent past after they moved to subject themselves under Tafo as an Aduana clan.

Story by Hajara Fuseini