A longstanding chieftaincy dispute in Katamanso in the Greater Accra Region has resurfaced following a formal manifesto issued by the Nii Adjin-We Tetteh Family rejecting the installation of Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo as chief.
In a statement dated January 28, 2026, and signed by Seth Otu Okley (Salami), who identifies himself as the substantive Head of Family, the family asserted its allodial ownership of Katamanso lands and argued that Afotey-Agbo’s installation was inconsistent with Ga customary succession principles.
According to the family, Katamanso formerly known as Ahiam was settled more than 200 years ago by twin brothers, Akwetey and Akuetteh, from the Adjin-We lineage of Nungua. While acknowledging shared ancestry with the Adjin-We of Nungua, the Katamanso branch maintains that it operates as an autonomous customary authority with exclusive decision-making powers over its internal affairs.
The manifesto emphasised that succession in Katamanso follows the Ga customary principle of generational seniority, where senior relatives take precedence over younger descendants. On that basis, the family insists that Seth Otu Okley is the rightful Head of Family within the Afotey-Agbo lineage.
The statement revisited events following the death of former chief and family head, Nii Laryea Akuetteh VIII, noting that his son, Abraham Otu Laryea, initially served as regent before ascending the stool as chief. The family claims the succession process was internally contested and alleged that subsequent efforts to restore customary procedures were frustrated, partly due to political influence.
The elders also raised concerns about what they describe as an overlap between political office and chieftaincy, referencing the period when Afotey-Agbo served simultaneously as a Member of Parliament and Regional Minister. They argue that such dual roles are inconsistent with constitutional and customary expectations governing traditional authority.
Additionally, the family contends that Afotey-Agbo’s installation in June 2024 was carried out without clarity on the status of Nii Otu Akwetey IX, whom they claim had neither abdicated nor been formally declared deceased. They insist that proper customary procedures require confirmation from the Head of Family before the installation of a new chief.
The family has therefore stated that it will not recognise any new chief until the status of Nii Otu Akwetey IX is resolved through what it describes as legitimate customary processes. It has called on the public, the Lands Commission, and the Ministry responsible for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to take note of its position and to direct any formal inquiries to the Office of the Head of Family.
Afotey-Agbo Responds.
Responding to the claims during an interview on Ahotor FM 92.3 News with Nana Appiah Kubi, Nii Afotey-Agbo dismissed the allegations, describing them as part of a longstanding dispute.
He explained that he was made Regent of Katamanso when his father fell ill, clarifying that the arrangement did not amount to an enstoolment. He stated that he acted in that capacity for six years due to the ill health of the substantive chief before eventually succeeding his father, Nii Otu Akwetey XI.
According to him, Nii Otu Akwetey XI recently passed on, but tradition does not permit the immediate public announcement of such sacred information. He explained that the installation of a new chief was therefore necessary to oversee the funeral and burial rites in accordance with customary practices.
Afotey-Agbo further disclosed that Seth Otu Okley previously challenged his position by petitioning the Chieftaincy Minister on the grounds that his roles as a Member of Parliament and Regional Minister made him ineligible.
He stated that multiple court cases were subsequently filed against him, all of which were determined in his favour. He added that a mandamus application was also filed but was dismissed.
Expressing surprise at the family’s decision to address the matter through the media, he maintained that the courts remain the appropriate forum for resolving such disputes. He said he is unperturbed by the latest developments and believes the allegations are aimed at damaging his reputation.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions within the Katamanso traditional leadership, with both sides maintaining sharply contrasting positions on succession, customary authority, and legitimacy.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe/Ahotoronline.com