Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has removed Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, the queen mother of the Offinso Traditional Area, from her position due to her persistent insubordination to the kingdom. The announcement of her destoolment was made during the first Asanteman Traditional Council meeting of the year on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko’s removal marks the first instance of a traditional leader being destooled by the occupant of the Golden Stool in 2024. The decision was prompted by her repeated refusal to respond to summons from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who sought her presence in connection with a series of misconduct allegations.
The newly enstooled chief of Offinso, Nana Dwamena Akenteng II, was present at the Asanteman Council meeting to swear an oath of allegiance. In advising the new chief, the Asantehene encouraged him to select a new queen mother to support his reign and rulership.
“I deliver the town into your hands alone. You have no queen mother. Find a new queen mother to help you undertake your mandate when you have settled down. We need a queen mother who will be present here when we need her,” stated Otumfuo.
The Offinso stool controversy emerged following the death of Nana Wiafe Akenten III on October 2, 2021. The nomination of a new occupant led to protests among kingmakers in the area. Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko’s failure to nominate a qualified royal from the Offinso Royal Family for the stool resulted in a prolonged dispute.
Despite her nomination of Dr. Desmond Kofi Koduah Sarpong, former Board Chairman of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, tensions arose as another faction of kingmakers contested the nominee’s royal lineage. The Asante Traditional Council conducted an investigation and found Dr. K.K Sarpong ineligible, leading to further disagreements.
The resolution of the chieftaincy dispute came with the selection of Nana Amoako Opoku from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family. He was presented to Otumfuo on December 18, 2023, marking the end of the longstanding controversy. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has recently destooled several chiefs for various acts of misconduct.
