From Issah Alhassan
Mr. Kwaku Appiah, 50-year old industrialist, was last week Monday enstooled the new chief of Essienimpong in the Ejisu Juaben Municipality at a grand ceremony at the Manhyia Palace.
He now answers to the stool name Nana Kwaku Appiah Owawani to succeed Nana Kwaku Bio I who was destooled by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in June this year.
The action followed the unanimous decision by members of the Asanteman Council to show the embattled chief the exit for disregarding Otumfuo’s Great Oath, and trampling upon customary practices, including pouring of libation in the stool room.
Otumfuo also heard how Nana Bio had taken a firm position not to pour libation and other rites in the stool room, claiming he was a Christian, and that indulging in such customary practices contradicted his beliefs and violated his Christian doctrine.
Tradition was at its best, as the new chief, adorned in a black cloth, was carried high in a palanquin amidst the playing of Fontonfrom and other traditional drums, soon after swearing the oath of allegiance to the Asantehene at the Palace.
The Asantehene charged the new Essieninponghene to hold in high esteem the traditions and customs of the people, and also listen to the advice of his elders at all times.
In addition, it was expected of him to be humble, respectful, truthful and honest in the discharge of his duties.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu reminded Nana Kwaku Appiah Owawani how his predecessor disregarded custom, and hence, created problems for himself, resulting in his destoolment, and charged him to use his new office to unite all his subjects and develop Essieninpong.
He stressed the need for him to be a unifier and development-oriented to bolster sustainable socio-economic growth for his people.
Nana Kwaku Appiah Owawani, who is the CEO of Agya Appiah Bitters and also president of Ghana Federation of Medicine Association, GHAFTRAM, thanked the Asantehene for the honour done him, and assured him that he would be committed to the cause and welfare of his people, and also abide by the oath he had sworn.