The election and installation of an Ahanta Omanhene (Paramount Chief) follow a long-established customary process that reflects the traditions, authority, and cultural values of the Ahanta people.
Although detailed written records of the procedure are limited due to the long periods when the paramount stool remained vacant, historical accounts provide important information about the traditional process. One such account was given by Yew Esson (Wia Ason-Baidu Bonso X) during an inquiry conducted by Mr. Furley in 1920.
According to Yew Esson, the process begins within the royal family. A suitable candidate is first selected by his mother and presented to the elders of the royal family for approval.
After acceptance by the elders, the candidate is introduced to the people of Busua, the traditional capital of Ahanta, and the surrounding communities.
At this stage, the candidate is not immediately presented to the principal chiefs.
Instead, the chiefs are informed about the selection through traditional communication. Bottles of rum or schnapps are sent to the principal chiefs, including those of Takoradi, Apowa, Princes Town, Akwida, Atenken, Pomponi, Asemko, and Hotopo, notifying them that a person has been chosen to occupy the paramount stool and that they would be informed when the formal installation ceremony was to take place.
During the installation ceremony, all the chiefs assemble as the chief-elect is placed on the stool. According to Yew Esson’s account, he was placed on the Busua Stool in the presence of the chiefs, and he swore an oath on the sword, a customary symbol of authority and allegiance.
He explained that all the Ahinfu (sub-chiefs) were present during the ceremony and that they later gathered again after he emerged from the traditional confinement period.
None of the Ahinfu objected to his installation, and they all gave their consent.
Yew Esson further stated that the Chief of Akatenkye has a traditional responsibility to place the Omanhene on the Busua Stool.
Although the Chief of Akatenkye is not the senior-most chief, it is the customary right of that stool to perform this important duty. During the ceremony, the Chief of Akatenkye holds the hands of the person being installed and places him on the stool.
The Ahanta tradition shares similarities with the installation practices of neighbouring Akan states, including Wassa, Gwira, and Nzema. In Wassa, for example, the process begins with the Adontenhene summoning the chiefs of the state.
The Gyasehene is then asked to present a qualified candidate from the royal lineage to occupy the vacant stool.
The Gyase chiefs consult with the stool family and present their chosen candidate to the assembled chiefs of the state. If the candidate is accepted, the installation rites proceed.
However, if the choice is rejected, the Gyase are required to present another candidate.
During the installation, the Omanhene swears an oath of loyalty and responsibility to his sub-chiefs and people, while the sub-chiefs also swear their allegiance to the Omanhene.
The actual enstoolment traditionally takes place secretly at night, where the Omanhene is formally placed on the stool by the Adontenhene.
Historical records also document the reinstallation of an Omanhene of Upper Wassa who had previously been removed from office. In that case, a formal election was held at Akropong, the residence of the Omanhene.
Chiefs, linguists, and members of the royal family gathered at a traditional election site near a large cotton tree to choose the successor.
Following the election, the chiefs unanimously declared their choice and signed a statement confirming the decision. The re-elected Omanhene was later formally presented to the District Commissioner by the chiefs and linguists of Upper Wassa.
These traditions demonstrate the structured nature of Akan chieftaincy systems, where the selection and installation of a paramount chief involve consultation, approval, oaths, and the participation of traditional authorities.
The process ensures that the Omanhene’s authority is recognised by the royal family, the chiefs, and the people he is expected to serve.
