Kasoa Chiefs Invoke Deities Against MCE Over Landguard Accusation [Video]

The situation in Kasoa, Ghana, is rapidly escalating following a renewed dispute between traditional chiefs and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, centered around accusations of brandishing and harassment of landguards within the Awutu Senya East area. A recent video circulating online has amplified these tensions, fueling a deepening rift between the traditional leadership and the municipal administration. The core of the controversy stems from a media interview where the MCE asserted that the chiefs have instigated a boycott of a sod-cutting ceremony intended to facilitate the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market, a project that has now been stalled. The MCE’s claim, delivered during the interview, suggested a deliberate attempt to disrupt residents of Jei River, a suburb of Awutu Ofaakor, through the deployment of landguards. This accusation is directly challenging the chiefs’ longstanding practice of relying on Asafo groups – traditional ceremonial councils – to oversee land development activities within the region. The MCE, as chairman of the Municipal Security Council, stated his resolve was a response to his determination to maintain order in the area, a position he has repeatedly emphasized. The chiefs vehemently reject this explanation, insisting that they have always utilized Asafo groups to monitor estate development, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their customary land management practices. On Sunday, the traditional leaders gathered at the Awutu Ofaakor palace, engaging in a ritual of libation and petitioning their ancestors to avert further conflict. The Abusuapanin of Kasoa Ofaakor, performing the ‘Duabo’ ritual, a significant Awutu customary practice, invoked ancestral judgment against perceived wrongdoing. This Duabo ritual, a long-standing tradition, is believed to summon the spirits of the ancestors to intervene and address any imbalances or offenses against the community. The MCE’s recent arrest of a bank robbery suspect, Labone bank robbery suspect remanded, further underscores the escalating political and social pressures in Kasoa. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for further unrest and disruption within the community. The stalled 24-Hour Economy Market project, a crucial economic driver for the region, has been a significant point of contention, further exacerbating the existing tensions between the assembly and the traditional council. The situation is being watched closely, with analysts suggesting that this dispute could escalate into a broader political challenge, impacting the stability of the Kasoa area. The MCE’s statement regarding the boycott of the sod-cutting ceremony is a pivotal moment in this unfolding narrative, potentially triggering a significant response from the traditional leaders. The community is anxiously awaiting a resolution to this dispute, and the long-term consequences remain uncertain. The traditional leaders’ actions, particularly the Duabo ritual, demonstrate a deep-seated resistance to the MCE’s authority and a desire to preserve their cultural heritage and traditional land management methods. The focus on the landguard accusations is a direct challenge to the MCE’s leadership and the established order within the municipality.”’, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,