The selection and confinement rites for the new chief has been done at Asato on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The new paramount chief, known in private life as Kwabena Asante, a 54-year-old Sanitary Inspector, would soon be outdoored at a colourful ceremony at Asato.
He would be called Nana Osei Bonsu V, succeeding the late Nana Osei Bonsu IV, who passed away in 2010.
Per the Asato customs and traditions, when the Okokyerehene passed on it is the Adontenhene, who acts as the Paramount Chief before the Paramount Queenmother, together with the Asona Clan Head, selects one candidate from three candidates, who have been selected and presented to them.
Engaging with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the rituals at Asato, Nana Serwaa Bonsu II, the Asato Traditional Area Paramount Queenmother, said after the demise of the former Paramount Chief, the due process was followed and the current Paramount Chief was duly enstooled.
However, the then Amankrado of Asato Traditional Area kicked against
his enstoolment and then went ahead to select a different person and enstooled him as Okokyerehene.
The Paramount Queenmother said this brought misunderstandings and the rival Chief “took the case to Court in Ho.”
She said when Oti Region was created in 2018, the case was transferred to Dambai for adjudication.
Nana Serwaa Bonsu II, said fortunately, on May 31, 2024, a verdict was passed and she was given the authority to enstool a new Okokyerehene within 21 days.
She said this led to the selection of Mr. Kwabena Asante, who was earlier enstooled as Okokyerehene of Asato Traditional Area.
The Paramount Queenmother appealed for peace in the traditional area for progress.
Some participants present, who spoke to the GNA, expressed joy over the enstoolment of the Sanitary Inspector as their new Okokyerehe.
Present were Nana Kwesi Kram, Adontenhene, Nana Dr. Boakye Yiadom, Benkumhene, Nana Kwamina Ansah, Sanaahene, Nana Sarkodie, Akwamuhene, Nana Osei Kwadwo, Regent, Asato Traditional Area, Professor Christian Anthony Krueger, a native and retired Associate Professor of Department of Science Education, University of Cape Coast, among others.
