After a lengthy six-year legal battle, the National House of Chiefs has officially recognized Nana Boamah Ayirepe III as the Chief of Kwahu-Nkwatia.
This decision overturns a previous ruling by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, which had barred Nana Ayirepe from assuming the chieftaincy following the death of Nana Atuobi Yiadom IV in 2016.
A five-member Judicial Committee, comprising Oseadeeyo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, Osagyefo Kwame Akounu X, Togbega Patamia Dzekley VII, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, and Okokyeredom Sakyi Ako II, was tasked with reviewing the case. Their unanimous ruling invalidated the claim of Samuel Boama Danso, who had sought to be recognized as the chief.
During the recent Akwasidae celebration at the palace, Nana Ayirepe addressed the community, expressing concern over ongoing disagreements and the behavior of dissenting factions. He emphasized that his position as chief is widely accepted by both the kingmakers and local residents and called for unity and cooperation for the benefit of Kwahu Nkwatia.
Nana Ayirepe was first installed as chief in October 2020 by the Krontihene of Kwahu Nkwatia, Nana Odei Tutu Ababio, and other stool elders.
The installation was contested by Nana Agyeiwaa Kodie II, the queenmother, and a group of elders, who questioned the legitimacy of the installation. Their challenge was initially upheld by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs but was ultimately reversed by the National House of Chiefs, concluding a protracted dispute that had left the stool vacant for over five years.