Key Takeaways
- Disagreement has emerged in the Ahanta Traditional Area over preparations for the proposed Ahanta Heritage Month celebration.
- The Anona Royal Family alleges it has been sidelined in discussions concerning the event and the custody of the repatriated remains of Otumfuo Badu Bonsoe II.
- Lawyers for the Ahanta Paramount Stool have petitioned the Ministry of Defence to suspend a meeting scheduled to discuss the release of the repatriated remains.
- The Anona Royal Family has cited historical documents showing that a Funeral Planning Committee was established in 2009 to oversee the late king's burial.
The Ahanta Traditional Area in the Western Region of Ghana has been thrown into a state of uncertainty following a disagreement over preparations for the proposed Ahanta Heritage Month celebration.
The Anona Royal Family, custodians of the Ahanta Paramount Stool, has alleged that it has been sidelined in discussions concerning the event and the custody of the repatriated remains of Otumfuo Badu Bonsoe II.
Background & Context
The Ahanta Traditional Area has a rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back to the pre-colonial era. The area is home to the Ahanta Paramount Stool, one of the most revered traditional stools in the Western Region.
The repatriation of the remains of Otumfuo Badu Bonsoe II from the Netherlands in 2009 was a significant event in the history of the Ahanta Traditional Area. The remains were repatriated to Ghana after a long campaign by the Anona Royal Family and other stakeholders.
Disagreement Over Heritage Month Celebration
The disagreement over the Heritage Month celebration has been sparked by a letter dated June 19, 2026, in which the Member of Parliament for Ahanta West, Mrs Mavis Kuukua Bissue, requested a courtesy call on the Ahanta Traditional Council to discuss preparations for the 2026 Ahanta Heritage Month celebration.
However, the Anona Royal Family has alleged that prior engagements had already taken place with individuals it does not recognise as having the customary authority to represent the Ahanta Paramount Stool.
Lawyers Petition Ministry of Defence
Lawyers for the Ahanta Paramount Stool, Dankwah and Associates, have petitioned the Ministry of Defence to suspend a meeting scheduled for June 30, 2026, to discuss the release of the repatriated remains currently being kept at the 37 Military Hospital.
The lawyers argued that only the recognised traditional authorities have the customary and legal mandate to engage the state on matters concerning the late king's remains.
Broader Implications
The disagreement over the Heritage Month celebration has broader implications for the Ahanta Traditional Area and the entire Western Region.
If left unresolved, the disagreement could lead to a breakdown in communication between the Anona Royal Family and the Ahanta Traditional Council, which could have far-reaching consequences for the area's cultural heritage and traditions.
Looking Ahead
As of the time of filing this report, the Ahanta West MP, the Ahanta West Municipal Assembly, and the Ministry of Defence had not publicly responded to the allegations.
It remains to be seen how the disagreement will be resolved and what implications it will have for the Ahanta Traditional Area and the entire Western Region.
Image Source: https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ahanta.Head-of-Otumfuo-Bonsu-Badu-II.jpg
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