The Eastern Nzema Traditional Area in the Western Region is facing a renewed chieftaincy dispute after the Chief Advisor to the gazetted Omanhene expressed concerns about how the state is managing the situation.
During a press conference at Tang Palace Hotel in Accra on May 7, 2026, Nana Enu Kpanyinli Annor Amihere, representing His Royal Majesty Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, mentioned that Ghana cannot afford another Bawku in Nzema East
According to Nana Amihere, Omanhene is currently in abroad on “security self-exile” and provided what he called factual evidence regarding the dispute.
Nana Amihere referred to President John Dramani Mahama’s comments made on December 16, 2025, in Bawku, where the President stressed the importance of upholding the constitution and recognizing only the “truly gazetted Chief.”
He pointed out that the situation in Eastern Nzema contradicts this stance, claiming that the government’s actions have led to the same disorder the President warned about in Bawku.
The statement indicated that Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton is not gazetted and is currently under a pending injunction from the Western Region House of Chiefs Judicial Committee, which prevents him from acting as Omanhene.
Nana Amihere also mentioned that the state dropped charges against Mr. Flanton and his associates regarding his alleged illegal installation as Awulae Blay IX “for want of prosecution,” and claimed there was an attempt on Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III’s life at the Atuabo Royal Palace, which he referred to as a crime scene.
Additionally, he stated that the Western Regional Minister has instructed the Ghana Police to provide 24-hour protection for Mr. Flanton within the Atuabo Royal Palace, while the gazetted Omanhene remains in exile.
The statement also accused the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources of acknowledging Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III in front of the President, while recognizing Mr. Flanton during durbars when the President is absent.
Nana Amihere mentioned that his office possesses documents such as the official gazette, a letter from the Kingmakers, the injunction order, the nolle prosequi, and photographs of police at the Palace, and plans to release them to the public.
He ended with: “The victim is in exile. The suspect is in the Palace. The police protect the suspect. That is the situation.