HISTORICAL AND CUSTOMARY
MANIFESTO OF THE NII ADJIN-WE
FAMILY OF KATAMANSO
OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF FAMILY TO: The General Public, The Lands Commission, and
The Chieftaincy Ministry.
FROM: Seth Otu Okley (Salami), Substantive Head of the Nii Adjin-We Family of Katamanso
DATE: January 28, 2026
I. THE FOUNDATION OF PRIVATE OWNERSHIP &
SOVEREIGNTY
We wish to inform the General Public that the Nii Adjin-We Family of Katamanso holds the
Absolute Allodial Title to the Lands in Katamanso (formerly Ahiam). This land was discovered and
settled through the Private Initiative of two twin Brothers, Akwetey and Akuetteh, who hailed
from Adzin – We Family of Nungua over 200 years ago.
The Principle of Jurisdictional Autonomy: While we share a common ancestry with the
Adjin-We of Nungua, we have established a customary “Wall of Separation.” The Adjin-We
of Nungua is the Clan of Ancestry, but the Nii Adjin-We Family of Katamanso is the sole
Decisional Authority in respect of Katamanso issues.
The Household Analogy: In Ga custom, the distinction between “Clan” and “Family” is
absolute. Just as individuals who share the same surname (Clan) have no right to enter a
relative’s private house (Family) to dictate how they manage their money or who should lead
their household, the Nungua branch has absolutely no right to interfere in Katamanso.
The “Invited Guest” Rule: Nungua is categorically defined as an External Entity. They
may only participate in Katamanso matters if they are explicitly invited by our elders to act
as witnesses. Uninvited involvement is a violation of our customary and Traditional
Sovereignty.
II. THE LAW OF GENERATIONAL SENIORITY
Succession to the Headship in Katamanso, just like other Ga Communities is governed by
Generational Seniority, a non-negotiable Ga Custom.
Uncles over Sons: As long as an “Uncle” of the senior generation is alive, no “Son” or
“Nephew” can assume the Headship.
The Rightful Head: Following the Seniority of the Afotey-Agbo lineage, Seth Otu Okley
(Salami) is the only recognized and legitimately appointed Head of Family.III. THE 1995 USURPATION AND THE POLITICAL
SUPPRESSION OF CUSTOM
1950–1995: Nii Laryea Akuetteh VIII (Seth Laryea Afotey-Agbo) served as both Chief and
Head of Family, an exceptional circumstance due to his seniority.
The 1995 Breach: Upon his death, Abraham Otu Laryea (Son of the late Nii Laryea
Akuetteh VIII) self-appointed himself as Regent and later Chief (Nii Otu Akwetey IX).
The 1995 Breach and Enforced Succession: Upon the death of the former Chief and Head
of Family, Abraham Otu Laryea exploited the Leadership Vacuum to self-appoint as Regent
and later Chief (Nii Otu Akwetey IX). This succession was never accepted. It occurred only
because there was no immediate authority to challenge the imposition until the return of the
legitimate Head of Family, Joshua Kwei.
The Suppression of Customary Restoration: Upon his return, Joshua Kwei initiated formal
processes to restore Customary Protocols through a series of Family Meetings. However, these
efforts were systematically sabotaged by Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, who leveraged his Political
influence as a Member of Parliament and Regional Minister to obstruct the Family. As part of this
reprehensible behaviour of the said Afotey – Agbo, who is my Nephew and Grandson of the former
Head of Family, Joshua Kwei, the said Afotey – Agbo masterminded the state-sanctioned arrest of
the said Joshua Kwei by the Tema Regional Police Command at a legitimately organized Family
Meeting whiles legally performing Customary function as Head of family.
He was warmly arraigned before the Tema Circuit Court where he was made to enter into a Bond.
This was obviously designed to cripple the aforesaid Joshua Odai Kwei from perfoming his normal
functions as the Head of Family and to allow Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo and his Cohorts to have a
fill day and thereby to usurp the Powers of the Head of Family.
Subsequently by a Certiorari Application before the High Court the, erroneous Order for Entry of
the Bond duly quashed.
The High Court’s decision restated Joshua Kwei as the legitimate Head of Family, reaffirming the
fundamental principle that the appointment of a family head is a sacred internal family decision,
beyond the arbitrary interference of the state or political actors.
The Era of Multiple Regents: The period was defined by chaos rather than “peace.” While Joshua
Kwei in consultation with the Principal Members of the Family had rightfully nominated Ebenezer
Mensah Laryea as the legitimate Regent, Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo and his Uncle, bypassed all
Tradition and Custom to install two additional competing Regents. The current Lineage occupies
the stool not through a family desire for peace, but through the strategic use of unlawful political
power to frustrate the Elders and bypass the Legitimate Nomination of the Head of Family acting in
concert with the Principal Members of the Family.IV. POLITICAL INTERFERENCE & THE DOUBLE
REGENCY (2015–2017)
In 2015, following the incapacitation of Nii Otu Akwetey IX, the lawful Head of Family, Joshua
Kwei Odai, appointed Ebenezer Mensah Laryea as Regent.
Constitutional Violation: In 2017, Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, while serving as a
sitting MP and Regional Minister, was appointed “Caretaker.” This directly violates the
1992 Constitution of Ghana, which forbids the mixing of active political office with
chieftaincy roles.
V. THE CONCEALMENT OF THE CHIEF AND THE 2024
“COUP”
A new Chief can only be installed upon Abdication or Death, confirmed by the Head of Family.
The Wall of Silence: Formal legal inquiries were sent on December 23, 2022, and June 25,
2024, to Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo and Elizabeth Afua Oduro regarding the
whereabouts of Nii Otu Akwetey IX. Both were met with silence.
Installation by “Aliens”: The June 2024 installation of Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo
was supported by “Aliens”, individuals from the Nungua Clan and elsewhere who are
Strangers to our internal Selection Process. This is a criminal subversion of Katamanso
Custom, supported by sheer thuggery and wrongful Political muscle.
VI. FINAL DECLARATION
We, the elders of the Katamanso Adjin-We Family, declare the installation of Joseph Nii Laryea
Afotey-Agbo null and void. We will not recognize a new Chief until the status of Nii Otu Akwetey
IX is resolved through proper customary channels.
KATAMANSO ADJIN-WE FAMILY
Official Inquiry and Customary Verification
For further clarification, verification of historical records, or formal inquiries regarding the
legitimate customary succession and the Chieftaincy of Katamanso, please direct all correspondence
to the Office of the Secretary to the Head of Family.
Contact: Seth Otu Okley (Salami)
Office of the Head of Family – Phone: +233 50 886 0381
Signed:
Seth Otu Okley (Salami) Head of Family, Nii Adjin-We of Katamanso
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HISTORICAL AND CUSTOMARY MANIFESTO OF THE NII ADJIN-WE FAMILY OF KATAMANSO