The vacant male and female stools of the Nkoranza Traditional Area in the Bono East Region will soon be filled following the election of new leaders. This comes after a meeting held on Monday, December 16, 2024, under the chairmanship of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, who presided over the election in the presence of the Asanteman Council.
Prince Kwaku Soro was chosen by the stool elders to ascend the male stool, while the Asantehene, in accordance with the wishes of the late Queen, Nana Yaa Adutwumwaa Dudaa Kani Mmrosa II, announced that her daughter would be the next Queen of the area. This development follows the recent burial of Nana Yaa Adutwumwaa Dudaa Kani Mmrosa II.
Dispute Over Male Stool
During the gathering at the Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo recounted the ongoing dispute between the late Queen and the stool elders over the selection of a candidate to ascend the male stool. He shared that efforts were being made to bring both parties together for a resolution when the Queen unexpectedly passed away.
The Queen had intended for her son to assume the role, while the stool elders had other plans and opted for a different candidate.
Male Candidates Presented
At the meeting, three candidates stood before the Asantehene to vie for the vacant male stool: Baffoe Nti, Yaw Kodom, and Prince Kwaku Soro. All stool elders were present, except one, and after confirming the candidates, Otumfuo gave the go-ahead for each of the seven elders to choose their preferred candidate.
Of the seven elders, five selected Prince Kwaku Soro, while two voted for Yaw Kodom, the late Queen’s preferred choice. The third candidate, Baffoe Nti, did not receive any votes.
Divisions Addressed
After the vote, the Asantehene opened the floor for all divisions and Paramount Chiefs present to provide their input on the decision. The chiefs and elders unanimously urged Otumfuo to approve the elected candidate to ensure peace within the Nkoranza Traditional Area.
Otumfuo’s Final Decision
In his final decision, Otumfuo emphasized the importance of peace and unity in Nkoranza. He expressed his desire for a leader who would garner the support of the elders to foster peace and development in the area.
“Nkoranza is mine. I gave it to my wife and son… When the case first came, I told them earlier I was not going to let them override the choice of my wife. She unfortunately passed away, and the elders brought a plea through Juabenhene. I told them to wait until her burial. I have called now after she was buried… Had she been alive, I would have allowed for case making. But she isn’t, there is a need to make way for a choice that will bring peace among the elders. As such, the choice of the majority stands,” Otumfuo stated.
He further instructed the elders to proceed with the necessary rites for Prince Kwaku Soro’s enstoolment and to administer the oath of allegiance.
Message to the Elected Candidate
To the newly elected Prince Kwaku Soro, the Asantehene offered words of advice: “Three bid for the stool but after all the discussions, you have been selected. Give the other contenders the due respect. We will find a day for you to swear, and that is when I will give you charge of Nkoranza.”
Female Stool
The Asantehene also addressed the succession of the female stool, in line with the late Queen’s wishes. He recalled how Nana Yaa Adutwumwaa Dudaa Kani Mmrosa II had introduced her daughter to him years ago, expressing her desire for her daughter to succeed her.
“Let’s not forget that the Queen brought me her daughter to cater for her schooling. She told me she would be the heir to the stool when she is no longer alive… What should be done, Abusuapanin?” Otumfuo recalled.
As per the late Queen’s wish, Otumfuo announced that her daughter would succeed her as the new Queen. The Asantehene also informed Prince Kwaku Soro, the elected male candidate, that once he is enstooled, he will be responsible for enstooling the late Queen’s daughter as the new Queen of Nkoranza.
“After your enstoolment, you will enstool the daughter of the late Queen in her stead,” he concluded.
