Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council Affirms Aplaku Chief's Legitimacy

Chiefs and queen mothers, along with other traditional office holders in the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council in James Town, Accra, have officially affirmed the chieftaincy legitimacy of the Chief of the Aplaku Divisional Stool, Nii Kwei Aplaku I.

Official Press Declaration

This affirmation of traditional and chieftaincy status was declared during a press conference held by the leadership of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council to publicly announce the official recognition of the Aplaku and Tettegu Divisional Stools.

At the press briefing, the leadership of the Council—led by the Chairman of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council, Nii Ayinsah Sasraku III—made the official declaration regarding traditional authority and recognition.

 The declaration aims to end longstanding chieftaincy conflicts among the people of the Aplaku Divisional Stool and the Tettegu Sub-Stool regarding who is traditionally entitled to ascend to the two thrones.

"I stand before you today as Nii Ayinsah Sasraku III, the Chairman of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council, acting on behalf of the Paramount Stool Council, principal stool families, accredited kingmakers, traditional elders, queen mothers, divisional chiefs, and the good people of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area in James Town, Accra," the Council declared.

According to the Chairman, the press conference was convened to promote peace, truth, justice, respect for lawful traditional authority, and the preservation of the institution of chieftaincy as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. 

He noted that customary law remains an important source of authority in matters relating to traditional leadership, stool affairs, and customary succession. 

"We, therefore, have a duty to safeguard the dignity, legitimacy, and integrity of our traditional institutions for present and future generations," he added.Official IntroductionsDuring the open event, the Council officially declared its recognition of Nii Kwei Aplaku I as the customary enstooled chief of the Aplaku Divisional Stool. 

"Today, before the people of Ghana and the international community, I officially introduce and affirm the Aplaku Mantse, Nii Kwei Aplaku I, and the Tettegu Mantse, Nii Kofi Kumah I," the Council noted.

Nii Kwei Aplaku I was traditionally nominated, selected, installed, and recognized in accordance with the customs, traditions, and established practices governing the Aplaku Divisional Stool.

 The Council explained that his installation was duly performed in 2004, and all necessary customary rites were observed.

 Following the completion of appropriate procedures, the elders and kingmakers affirmed his reversion to his original and authentic stool title, Nii Kwei Aplaku I.

The Council also officially introduced and affirmed the Tettegu Chief, Nii Kofi Kumah I, as the legitimate occupant of the Tettegu Sub-Stool in accordance with the traditions and succession practices governing the stool.

Call for Peace and Security

The Council stressed that any acts undermining peace, development, and the rule of law must cease immediately. 

All persons with grievances are urged to pursue them through lawful, peaceful procedures rather than resorting to violence.

As the sacred Homowo Festival approaches, the Council appealed to all chiefs, elders, youth groups, and visitors to conduct themselves peacefully.

The Council urged that this year's festival be remembered for unity, reconciliation, and cultural pride rather than conflict.

The Paramount Stool Council appealed to the Ghana Police Service to maintain law and order throughout the Homowo period. 

They requested enhanced security, vigilance, and maximum professionalism to ensure all traditional activities are conducted safely.

Warning Against Illegal Activities

The Council clarified that matters relating to traditional authority and stool lands must be conducted lawfully. 

All parties involved in court decisions or official declarations are encouraged to respect lawful processes.

The Council issued a strong warning to all individuals engaging in landguard activities, unlawful land occupation, trespassing, intimidation, and the impersonation of traditional authority. 

Any conduct capable of creating confusion and insecurity within Aplaku, Tettegu, Dansoman, Jonkobri, and the wider Ngleshie Alata Traditional Area will not be tolerated.

Nii Kwei Aplaku I Speaks

Aplaku Mantse, Nii Kwei Aplaku I, welcomed and thanked the leadership of the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council for publicly declaring their chieftaincy status.

The prominent Ga Traditional leader noted that while the late substantive Paramount Chief, Oblempong Nii Kojo Ababio V, had previously affirmed his own capacity, the recent declaration was exceptional and highly official.

This current, the chief believes was attended by key security agencies, traditional leaders, media personnel, and politicians.

"I wish to express my congratulations to the leadership of the Council once again. Their decision will go a long way to bring unity, peace, and happiness to the two communities in Accra," Nii Kwei Aplaku I stated.

He pledged to continue strengthening the cordial working relationship with the chief and stakeholders of the Tettegu Sub-Stool under the Aplaku Divisional Stool to ensure peaceful coexistence among traditional officeholders and residents in both communities.

"We are going to work hand-in-hand with the chief and stakeholders of Tettegu. I urge the people of Tettegu to continue working with me and report any issues of community importance or matters threatening the peace and unity of the people, so that with the support of the Ngleshie Alata Paramount Stool, we can dialogue to find amicable solutions," the chief noted.

He emphasized that this initiative by the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council will foster sustainable development for both communities and called on residents to join forces in settling disputes that could cause division.

He also urged the people to respect one another and accord the chiefs of Aplaku and Tettegu their due honor.

Noting that all stakeholders, business owners, and operators on the Aplaku Divisional Stool lands were invited to witness the declaration ceremony, the Aplaku Mantse reminded them to lend their support to the area's development.

"I am calling on all business owners, operators, citizens, and residents living on the Aplaku Divisional Stool lands to work with me and my accredited elders. 

"You should not work with any individuals of questionable character who could put your businesses and livelihoods in jeopardy," Nii Kwei Aplaku I cautioned.

He reaffirmed: "I am your chief, and the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council has affirmed my legitimacy. 

"It is high time all people living in Aplaku dealt with me. I have an open-door chieftaincy policy, so all and sundry must embrace me.

"Finally, the chief reminded the police commanders in Weija-Gbawe Municipality to recognize him as the rightful chief of Aplaku following this official declaration. 

He stressed the need for the police in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality to support the Aplaku Divisional Stool in maintaining peace and order in the area.