By: Apiah-Kubi – Fabea FM.
Lawyer Yaw Anokye Frimpong, Legal Aid to the Chief of Sefwi Debiso in the Western North Region, Nana Aforo Kwaw III, has affirmed that the process used to enstool the Chief of Sefwi Debiso was traditional, lawful, and must be respected by the general public.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Lawyer Anokye Frimpong said Nana Aforo Kwaw III was enstooled traditionally by the Kingmakers of Sefwi Debiso, and the process was duly confirmed and gazetted in accordance with custom and the Chieftaincy Act.
The statement comes in response to allegations that have questioned the process that led to the enstoolment of Nana Aforo Kwaw III.
It is alleged that the Queen Mother was not given the opportunity to present her side and has subsequently filed an application at the Sefwi Wiawso High Court for an order of certiorari to stop Nana Aforo Kwaw III from occupying the stool.
High Court Has No Jurisdiction – Legal Aid
In response, Lawyer Anokye Frimpong stated that the High Court has no jurisdiction to entertain chieftaincy matters in Ghana.
“The due process for enstooling a chief was followed customarily without any problems. Unless the person on the stool has died, abdicated himself, or been deposed by the Kingmakers, there is no vacancy,” Lawyer Anokye Frimpong said.
“Any matter relating to chieftaincy must be referred to the Judicial Committee of the House of Chiefs, not the High Court,” he added.
The Legal Aid further explained that even if the High Court ruled that a process was not in order, it does not automatically permit another party to occupy the stool.
“You must go through the traditional and customary processes of enstoolment before you can become a chief, and not by a court ruling,” Lawyer Anokye Frimpong noted.
“The position of Chief of Sefwi Debiso is guided by custom and tradition. Any claim outside of that process is untraditional and cannot be recognized. The people of Sefwi Debiso should disregard it,” he emphasized.
Call for Peace
Lawyer Anokye Frimpong has called on residents, opinion leaders, and security agencies to maintain peace and continue to recognize the duly enstooled traditional authority of Sefwi Debiso.
He also urged all factions to respect due process and allow the appropriate traditional structures to handle chieftaincy matters to avoid confusion and division in the community.
Chieftaincy disputes in the area have in recent times led to tensions, prompting calls for all parties to follow constitutional and traditional procedures in resolving such matters.
In view of this, Nana Aforo Kwaw III has taken legal actions against those sabotaging his enstoolment.
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