Tntnewspapergh.com with additional information sourced from Ghanaweb

Nana Dwamena Akenten II, the newly installed Paramount Chief for the Offinso Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, has hit the ground running by setting up a committee to probe illegal sand winning activities which are destroying their lands.

The chief expressed concerns about illegal and unregulated sand winning in the area which is destroying their lands.

He has also rallied the support of his elders, residents and all stakeholders to ensure promotion of agriculture in the area.

To ensure a ready market for their farm produce, Nana Dwamena Akenten has proposed that one of the leading markets in the area, Abofour Market, which comes off on Thursdays, be extended to two days to promote trading.

The respected chief made the call during his first meeting and subsequent tours to some areas.

The one-time best farmer in the Offinso district, who was declared the Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly, promised to prioritise agriculture, youth employment, education and trading.

Nana Dwamana Akenten II, Offinsohene

He emphasised the need for the people to stay united since unity is strength and key to development in every developed society.

The Offinsohene,seized the opportunity to thank nananom, especially Nana Owusu Kwateng II,Dumanafohene for their support when the journey became tough.
He also thanked residents and
all stakeholders for their support throughout the processes leading to his selection and installation.
It would be recalled that the announcement of a new paramount chief for the people of Offinso occurred at the final Asanteman Council meeting in 2023, which was presided over by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Offinso Traditional Area settled on 68-year-old Nana Amoako Poku to take over traditional leadership, resolving a long-standing dispute that saw Otumfuo reject the preferred candidate of the ‘queen mother’ three times.

The stool name of Nana Amoako Poku has been revealed as Nana Dwamena Akenten II after he swore the oath of allegiance to the chiefs and people of Offinso on Friday, 5th January 2024. He subsequently swore to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman on 11th January 2024.

The ‘queen mother’, who had failed to nominate a qualified royal for the vacant stool, was absent, hence it was the Kwakwaboa Abusuapanyin, Opanyin Yaw Nkrumah Adusah, who introduced the new Offinsohene to his people.

Nana Dwamena Akenten II succeeds Nana Wiafe Akenten who held the role from 1946 to 2021.

On three occasions, the Asantehene offered the ‘queen mother’ the opportunity to nominate a candidate and each time she put forward Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong, a former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), her nomination was challenged because Dr. Sarpong is not from the royal family.

In line with Asante tradition, the responsibility fell on the Abusuapanyin to nominate a candidate, leading to the introduction of Nana Amoako Poku.

Here are five key facts about the Offinsohene-elect:

1. Royal heritage:Nana Amoako Poku, according to Ghanaweb, hails from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family, cementing his connection to the historical lineage of the Offinso Traditional Area.

2. Agricultural excellence:He boasts of being a one-time best farmer in the Offinso district.

Nana was declared Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly.

He has engaged in active farming for about 20 years and owns 56 acres of cashew plantation, 47 acres of cocoa, 30 acres of teak, 11 acres of citrus, five acres of oil palm, 13 acres of cocoyam, six acres of plantain, including livestock.

He also has several awards to his credit, notable ones being the District Best Swine Farmer and Municipal Most Promising Farmer in 2005 and 2018 respectively.

1. Curator of Asante heritage: Nana Amoako Poku is renowned for his role as a curator of Asante heritage according to a Graphic online report.

2. Timber merchant: Beyond his royal and cultural roles, Nana Amoako Poku is engaged in timber trading as cited in a report by ‘Opemsuo Radio’.

3. Otumfuo Kekabuosohene: Nana Poku, until his elevation, was also a servant at Manhyia Palace, where he was Otumfuo’s Kekabuosohene as cited in a report by ofma.gov.gh.