The Battle for Takoradi’s Throne: Controversies, Legacies and Struggles of Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III
In the context of Ghana’s traditional values and customs, chieftaincy holds significant importance, and towns historically and presently have their traditional leaders.
However, there is a notable peculiarity when it comes to mentioning the chief of Takoradi. This situation prompts the question: Does Takoradi indeed have a traditional chief?
PROFILE OF THE CHIEF OF TAKORADI
For the past two decades, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III has held the position of chief in Takoradi. Outside of his traditional role, he is recognized professionally as Rev. Dr. Fiifi Quayson and was born on March 26, 1957, making him 66 years old.
He possesses a Doctorate of Ministry from the Faith Evangelical Theological College and Seminary in Accra, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries from the same institution, and holds a Diploma in Theology from the Errol School of Theology and Biblical Languages, Accra.
Additionally, he has pursued studies in Leadership and Management at the Netherlands Christian Chamber of Commerce.
HIS INSTALLATION AND CONTROVERSIES
In 2003, Rev. Dr. Fiifi Quayson assumed the role of Chief of Takoradi, taking on the title Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III, following the passing of his uncle, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura II.
However, his installation was not without controversy, as some members of the community opposed his ascension to the throne.
In October 2004, the judicial committee of the Ahanta Traditional Council rendered a verdict, stating that Rev. Fiifi Quayson, who had been identifying himself as Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III and the chief of Takoradi, was not officially recognized by the traditional council.
According to the council, while there was no doubt about Rev. Fiifi Quayson’s claim to the stool, it was not the turn of his family lineage to assume the Takoradi throne. As per the council’s stance, the acknowledged divisional chief for Takoradi and New Takoradi was Nana Yaw Nketsiah VI, who hailed from the Adwoa Amonu section of the royal family.
Seven years into his reign as the chief of Takoradi, another chieftaincy conflict emerged in April 2010. The Asafohenfo group contested the legitimacy of Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III, alleging that he had purchased the throne and called for his immediate destoolment within three days.
During a press conference, the Safohene of Korampong of Whindo claimed that Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III lacked recognition from the members of the Akona royal family as the divisional chief of Takoradi in the Ahanta traditional area.
The Safohene further asserted that the chief had not undergone the customary procedures required for his enstoolment, as their presence as Safohene should have been part of the process. The Safohene of Whindo also laid claim to the Takoradi stool lands and demanded that the incumbent chief cease presenting himself as the chief of Takoradi.
They contended that Osahene Katakyie Busumakura I and Osahene Katakyie Busumakura II had no historical presence in Takoradi chieftaincy history.
In a strong and forceful response, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III characterized the Asafohenfo group as a faction of individuals bent on disrupting the peace of Takoradi.
During an interview with the Ghana News Agency in 2010, he asserted his rightful claim to the Yanke Boforo stool of the Akona Family in Takoradi. He emphasized that he had been duly and legally installed as the Chief of Takoradi in 2003, succeeding his late uncle, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura II.
Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III pointed out that his name had been officially recorded in the National Registry of chiefs, underscoring the legitimacy of his chieftaincy. Additionally, he maintained that he had diligently adhered to all the necessary customary rituals and protocols before his enthronement as the chief.
“I was nominated by my Queen mother, accepted by my abusuapayin and other royals, confined, outdoored and dully installed as the chief at a well-attended ceremony by very important personalities and those who mattered,” Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III said.
He said the Asafohenfo were not invited to his installation because “presently Asafohenfo do not exist because they were banned by the Osahene Katakyie Busumakura II in 1982 after they (Asafohenfo) had for a second time lost a court case to cause mischief and foment trouble in Takoradi.”
He also urged the King of Ahanta, Otumfo Badu Bonsu, to distance himself from any suspicions held by certain members of his community that he may be associated with or supportive of the Asafohenfo group.
Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III mentioned that he was actively pursuing a case within the Western Regional House of Chiefs. His goal was to elevate the Takoradi Traditional Area to the status of paramountcy once again.
FIRST DECADE ON THE THRONE
On March 9, 2013, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III organized an “Appreciation Service” as the inaugural event for a year-long celebration marking the 10th anniversary of his installation as the Chief of Takoradi.
The purpose of the Appreciation Service was to express gratitude to the Almighty God for His guidance, mercy, and provision that had been instrumental throughout the Chief’s tenure over the past decade.
Commenting on the Thanksgiving Service, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III said; my vision is to continue with his help to make this gift he has given us, Takoradiman, an attractive port city and an enviable investment center by 2025 through effective marketing of the city, focusing on human capital development, alternative livelihood projects and improved land management.”
During the ceremony, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III inaugurated the Osahene Sustainable Development Program for the people of Takoradi. He also disclosed that progress was being made in the establishment of a university, specifically the Takoradi Institute of Science and Technology.
This upcoming university would provide prominent courses such as Oil and Gas Engineering, Petro-Chemical Engineering, and Biological Sciences.
IN 2020
In September 2020, Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III, the Chief of Takoradi, expressed his appreciation for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s efforts in promoting significant infrastructural development in Takoradi.
During a sod-cutting ceremony that marked the beginning of construction for the first interchange, known as the PTC Interchange, in the Western Region, he highlighted the positive impact of these infrastructure projects on the city.
According to Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III, Takoradi had witnessed substantial improvements in its infrastructure over the preceding years under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and the NPP administration.
He acknowledged that the people of Takoradi had been major beneficiaries of these projects and that it would be unfair not to commend the government for its contributions in transforming the city.
“I am here to congratulate and commend the President of Ghana, who is represented by his vice-president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia”, he emphasized.
He added, “I sit here as the chief of this city and I have the responsibility to support the government of the day. I can say without fear that four years ago, I congratulated the NDC for opening a cold store. I was invited as a Special guest. Why do you think I should not congratulate the President of Ghana for bringing the first interchange to the Western region?”
CONCLUSION
The events mentioned make it evident that Takoradiman does indeed have a reigning chief, albeit one whose installation remains a subject of dispute.
So, the question arises: Why is Osahene Katakyie Busumakura III not more prominently recognized? It’s a query that may remain a mystery.
Author-Macall Mensah
