Tension is mounting in Fodome Amele in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region following plans by the Paramount Chief of the Fodome Traditional Area, Togbe Akpatsa II, to install another Amankrado despite the installation of a new traditional leader barely a week ago.
The paramount chief is accused by some residents of taking sides in a protracted chieftaincy dispute and attempting to impose a rival candidate on the community against the wishes of indigenes.
The development has heightened fears of possible clashes in the once peaceful community, with reports indicating that some residents have left the area amid heightened security ahead of the planned installation.
It follows the widely accepted installation of Togbe Kwaku Osei III as the new Amankrado of Fodome Amele, ending a 13-year vacancy created by the death of his father, Togbe Komla Osei II, in December 2013.
Togbe Kwaku Osei III was formally presented to the public on Thursday, October 15, 2026, by Togbe Gbortor VI, Chief of Fodome Amele, after completing the customary rites associated with his installation.
However, reports suggest that Togbe Akpatsa II, popularly known as “Togbega”, intends to install another candidate, identified as Anthony Boesi, as Amankrado today, a move that has sparked anxiety among residents.
Residents maintain that, under the traditions of the Fodome Traditional Area, the installation of an Amankrado is the responsibility of the town’s chief (Dufia), and not the paramount chief.
Therefore, they consider the paramount chief’s reported move to install another Amankrado as an attempt to create confusion and deepen divisions in the community.
Alleged Confrontation
There were reports of a skirmish in which the paramount chief allegedly confronted a subject and fell to the ground, triggering angry reactions from some residents, including booing.
Sources within the community told this newspaper that the incident could have escalated into a more serious confrontation had more aggrieved residents been present.
The paramount chief, a retired military officer, has also come under criticism from some subjects who accuse him of being authoritarian and divisive in his handling of Amele traditional affairs.
Some have challenged the sub-chiefs and elders of Fodome to speak out and help resolve the dispute, rather than remain silent in the face of growing tensions.
According to some residents, traditional leaders and elders have a responsibility to uphold justice, preserve the customs of their ancestors and prevent disagreements from degenerating into violence.
They are therefore appealing for restraint and a peaceful resolution of the dispute to avert possible bloodshed.
New Amankrado Ends 13-Year Vacancy
Meanwhile, the installation of Togbe Kwaku Osei III has been welcomed by members of the Toyi clan, from which he hails, and other residents of Fodome Amele.
The customary process began on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with elders and stool fathers pouring libation to seek ancestral blessings and guidance for the installation.
This was followed by a traditional town-cleansing procession known as “Gbɔ Kpɔkplɔ”, led by the Fodome Amele Asafo group and accompanied by chiefs and elders.
Togbe Kwaku Osei III subsequently underwent seven days of confinement in accordance with the community’s customs before his formal presentation to the public.
The ceremony was attended by Togbe Diabo XI, Senior Divisional Chief of Fodome Hlorma; Togbe Gameti II, Amankrado of Gbledi Chebi; and other traditional leaders, elders, residents and Asafo groups from neighbouring communities.
Prayers were offered for the protection of the new Amankrado, the traditional leadership and the community.
Both Togbe Gbortor VI and Togbe Kwaku Osei III pledged to uphold the customs, traditions and cultural values of Fodome Amele.
In his address, the new Amankrado expressed his commitment to working with the chief and elders to preserve the community’s heritage and promote its development.
Togbe Kwaku Osei III, formerly known as George Bosco Osei, is the second son of the late Togbe Komla Osei II, who served as Amankrado for more than 65 years before his death in December 2013.
He began his education at Gbledi Chebi R/C Primary School before proceeding to Afadjato Secondary Technical School and the E.P. Teacher Training College at Amedzofe, where he graduated in 1994.
He later obtained a degree in Guidance and Counselling and currently works as a district manager with Federated Commodity PLC, a licensed cocoa-buying company.
He is married to Agnes Osei, and they have four children.
Residents hope his installation will strengthen communal ties, promote peaceful coexistence and encourage collaboration towards local development.
