The community of Agona Abodom in the Central Region was rocked by violence last weekend as a longstanding chieftaincy dispute turned deadly, leading to the tragic death of one man and several others sustaining injuries.
The victim, Charles Kojo Asomaning, a civilian employee at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters and the uncle of the rightful chief, Nana Kwesi Asare (Nana Segu), was reportedly attacked and killed by individuals aligned with rival claimant Kwesi Gyan.
Legal Battle Unfolds
The incident unfolded on August 2, 2025, following a ruling by the Judicial Committee of the Agona Nyakrom Traditional Council in favor of two key members of the Ebusuatsir Gate of the Asona Royal Family of Agona Abodom, challenging the authority of certain family members in appointing traditional leaders.
The legal battle, which began with Suit No. 1/2024 filed by Opanyin Kwame Nyarko and Obaapanyin Ekua Ampiaah, aimed to establish that Opanyin Kwesi Prah had no authority to nominate or install a chief or queen mother in the Abodom community. The suit also sought to invalidate the appointment of Frank Asiedu as Odzekurow and restrict the first respondent from claiming Ebusuatsir of the Asona Royal Family.
Judgment and Aftermath
After a series of legal maneuvers, the ruling on July 31, 2025, favored the plaintiffs, annulling the disputed appointments and preventing the defendants from installing any chief or Odzekurow in Agona Abodom.
However, tensions escalated when supporters of Nana Asare gathered to celebrate the legal victory, only to be violently attacked by a group allegedly led by Kwesi Gyan, accompanied by Asafoatsemei from Weija and local residents armed with weapons.
Call for Justice
The aftermath of the attack saw several of Nana Asare’s relatives injured and detained by the police, sparking outrage among family members and sympathizers who accused the authorities of bias and injustice.
As the community demands justice, the release of the detained victims, and the apprehension of the perpetrators, tensions remain high in Agona Abodom with calls for official action from the Ghana Police Service.
