Youth from the Kwahu Traditional Area in the Eastern Region of Ghana staged a protest on Saturday, October 12, 2024, against the alleged misconduct of their Paramount Chief, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. The protest followed the Chief’s forced resignation as Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) due to accusations of abuse of office and extortion.
Clad in red and black, the youth marched to the palace and presented a petition to the Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III. The petition, also addressed to the Kwahu Adontenhene, Akyeamfour Asiedu Agyeman II, demanded action against the Chief.
The allegations against the Chief stem from a petition filed by Collins Darkwah Aboagye, a businessman and Director of PRABHAT Trading Limited. Aboagye accused the Chief of using his influence to secure a loan from ADB after he struggled to obtain it directly. The Chief allegedly demanded GHC50,000 and an additional GH₵2 million from the loan amount.
Aboagye claimed that he unwillingly paid the Chief GHC50,000 and the GH₵2 million, which the Chief failed to repay. After consistent pressure, the Chief paid $20,000, leaving a significant balance.
The Bank of Ghana directed the Chief’s immediate resignation as Board Chairman of ADB, citing “irreparable damage” to the bank’s image. The Bank’s letter, dated October 10, 2024, stated that the Chief’s continued tenure was “untenable.”
The Kwahu youth are demanding that the Queen Mother and Kwahu Adontenhene take decisive action to restore the sanctity of the Kingdom of Kwahu. They claim the incident has exposed them to public ridicule, damaging their reputation and that of the traditional council.
The youth have given the traditional leaders seven days to act, warning that they will resort to other constitutional and customary means if ignored.
The Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, received the petition and promised to investigate the issue. She thanked the youth for bringing the matter to her attention and assured them that she would take necessary steps.
Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II was appointed Board Chair of ADB in August 2021 by President Akufo-Addo. In 2017, at the age of 34, he was enstooled as the Paramount Chief of Kwahu.
As Board Chair, the Chief was expected to support the bank’s vision of harnessing agribusiness for wealth creation. ADB is a universal bank offering a range of banking products and services, with a developmental focus on agriculture.
The allegations against the Paramount Chief have far-reaching implications for the Kingdom of Kwahu and the traditional council. The youth’s demands for action reflect the need to protect the reputation and integrity of the traditional institution.
The incident also highlights concerns about corruption and abuse of power in Ghana’s banking sector.
The Kwahu youth’s protest and petition demonstrate their commitment to accountability and transparency. The traditional leaders’ response will determine the future of the Kingdom of Kwahu and its people.