Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has made a firm commitment to prevent the Queen Mother of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, from selling the vacant Offinso Stool for financial gain.

Otumfuo has indicated that he is well-informed about the bribes offered to the Offinsohemaa and certain elders by a prospective candidate vying for the stool.

However, he asserted his unwavering resolve not to turn a blind eye to their ulterior motives.

“We definitely have to install a new chief; it is your mother [the queen mother] who has seized the stool for whatever reason but whatever she is seeking, she will not get it. I am telling you as the Asantehene.

"There is nothing said in Offinso that I am not aware of. I have only tolerated her because of her name, Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the relationship she shared with my mother. She is my senior mother; my mother liked her when she was alive and I have extended that love to her. I call her Abrewa.

"But for the current issues in Offinso, she has shown her true character for me to know she is not a good person. I will never allow anyone to sell off the Offinso stool,” he told leaders of the Offinso Traditional Council during a sitting at his court on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Earlier this month, Otumfuo sent a strong caution to Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko over her conduct and attempt to impose a candidate on the Offinso Stool.

According to Otumfuo, he would never countenance any actions on the part of the queen and the elders that would undermine the tradition of Asanteman when it comes to the election and selection of chiefs.

“No one can arrogate powers that do not exist to themselves. None of the elders have the right to sell land when there is no Offinsohene, specifically when it is the Offinsohene who must sign off on the sale.

"There is no such power. You are to take charge until a new chief is installed and then account for your stewardship.

"So be very careful in Offinso. I am very aware of all the things you’re doing at Offinso. You’re friends with Pitin Abontengdomhene and you have recorded a tape… I am very aware of your plot and that you will go ahead and install a new chief when I travel by Monday.

"Offinso Hemaa you are aware of this; be very careful... I would never allow you to cause the downfall of Offinso,” Otumfuo stated through his linguists in an audiotape of his Asanteman court sitting shared by Royal Palace Multimedia.

The quest for a new Offinsohene

The passing of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, the late Paramount Chief of Offinso, has created a leadership vacuum and triggered a legal dispute regarding his successor.

Dr. K. K. Sarpong, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), was chosen as a candidate by the queen mother with the support of certain elders.

However, Otumfuo has rejected this choice.

Otumfuo's objection is based on the belief that the queen's selection of K. K. Sarpong, based on her royal lineage, contradicts established historical and traditional norms.

In response, Otumfuo has issued a stern warning to Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the Offinso elders, urging them to follow the appropriate procedures for presenting their candidate.

Failure to do so may result in the permanent rejection of their chosen successor.