WASSA JAPAH ROYAL FAMILY DESTOOLS QUEEN MOTHER

WASSA JAPAH ROYAL FAMILY DESTOOLS QUEEN MOTHER

The Royal Family and Kingmakers of Wassa Japah in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region have performed customary rites to destool their Queen Mother.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the *Ekona Family (Ahene)* at the Palace on Saturday, after finding her guilty of gross misconduct, insubordination and breach of custom.

According to the Abusuapanyin of the family, *Nana Kojo Asuman, the destooled Queen Mother, *Nana Hemaa Afraso II*, was summoned several times by the elders to answer allegations leveled against her but failed to appear.

He said some of the charges include:

1. Acting without the consent of the Royal Family and Elders in chieftaincy matters

2. Disrespect to the Chief and the Elders of the town

3. Conduct deemed to bring the name of the Stool into disrepute

"She has refused to respect the customs and traditions of Wassa Japah. 

We have followed all customary procedures, including pouring libation and slaughtering a sheep to pacify the ancestors, to officially disinstool her," the Abusuapanyin said.

The Ebusuapanyin added that the Queen Mother has been given two weeks to vacate the palace residence, return all stool properties in her custody, and cease holding herself as Queen Mother of the area.

The Divisional Chief of Wassa Japah, *Nana Atta Baah iii* who witnessed the ceremony, confirmed the destoolment and called for calm among the youth.

"The Royal Family has spoken. We must all respect tradition. Anyone who imposes themselves as Queen Mother after today will be dealt with according to custom," he said.

Efforts to reach the destooled Queen Mother for her side of the story proved unsuccessful as of press time.

Meanwhile, the Kingmakers say they will, in consultation with the Royal Family, begin processes to nominate and enstool a new Queen Mother who will be loyal to tradition and promote development in Wassa 

Finally, the Ekona Abusuapanyin Nana Kojo Asuman performed a spiritual rituals to confirmed the destooled of the Queen Mother.