Koforidua High Court Uphols Rulling Nana Bonsu Ayirepe Barred From Acting As Pepease Chief

The Koforidua High Court, presided over by His Worship Senyo Amedahe, has reinforced a significant ruling by the Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs (JCNHC), barring Nana Bonsu Ayirepe from carrying himself as the Chief of Pepease.

This decision stems from a protracted chieftaincy dispute, wherein the JCNHC had previously declared the enstoolment of Nana Bonsu Ayirepe as Kwahu Pepeasehene “null and void.”

The committee also directed Nana Oforiwah Pokua, the Queenmother and Kyidomhemaa of the Kwahu Traditional Area, to adhere to customary procedures in installing a new chief.

The core of the dispute revolves around the rightful lineage to the Pepease Stool.

The appellants, representing the Santase Bretuo Royal Family, asserted their exclusive right to the stool, claiming that only members of their family have historically occupied it.

They argued that Nana Bonsu Ayirepe, also known as Kwaku Osei Bonsu, belongs to a separate branch of the Bretuo Clan, the Osei Mensah Bretuo Family, distinct from their own.

Conversely, the respondents maintained that there is only one Bretuo Royal Family with four gates, including the families of the appellants and Nana Bonsu Ayirepe.

The High Court’s ruling, however,favouredd the appellants, overturning a previous decision by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.

This decision followed a motion filed by Amankwah Britwum, the Abusuapanin of the Pepease Santase Royal Family, challenging the legality of Nana Bonsu Ayirepe’s enstoolment.

Speaking to the media, Andy Effah, counsel for the applicant, confirmed the court’s decision, marking a significant step in resolving the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Pepease.

The ruling now calls for the Queenmother to follow the correct customary procedures for the selection and enstoolment of a new chief.

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