Sefwi Nsuensua Chief Nana Elluo Payin III Rejects Destoolment, Calls for Arrest of Akotihene Over Violence

The Chief of Sefwi Nsuensua, Nana Elluo Payin III, has rubbished reports of his destoolment, describing the move as illegitimate and without traditional or governmental backing.

Addressing the press on today 30th May 2026, Nana Elluo Payin III insisted he remains the duly gazetted chief of Nsuensua who double as Kyidomhene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council.

He accused the Akotihene Nana Oppong Kyekyeku II, of instigating violence in the area and has petitioned the Western North Regional Police Command to arrest and prosecute him over the disturbances.

“I have not been destooled by any legitimate process known to our customs and the laws of Ghana. My gazette status as Chief of Nsuensua still stands,” Nana Elluo Payin III told journalists. “I am calling on the regional police command to act swiftly and arrest Nana Oppong Kyekyeku II for the violence he has caused in our community.”

Backing his stance, the Queenmother of Sefwi Nsuensua Traditional Area, Nana Abena Tawiah II, who was present including Elders at the press conference, said she was not consulted nor informed of any destoolment process involving Nana Elluo Payin III.

“I have no idea about any destoolment of Nana Elluo Payin III. As far as the traditional council is concerned, he remains our gazetted Chief of Nsuensua,” she stated.

Nana Abena Tawiah II urged residents and the general public to disregard what she termed “baseless rumors” intended to cause confusion and division in Nsuensua. She called for calm while authorities investigate the claims and the alleged violent acts.

Chieftaincy recognition in Ghana requires publication in the Government Gazette for legal validity. Until a destoolment is gazetted by the appropriate state authority, the incumbent chief retains official recognition.

The incident adds to growing tension in Sefwi Nsuensua, with both factions expected to appear before the Regional House of Chiefs if the matter escalates. Police authorities in the Western North Region are yet to comment on the arrest request.