The ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Shama has become a defining moment in the town’s history, bringing deep-rooted traditions and legal battles into sharp focus.
Following the passing of Nana Kweku Binnah III on June 1, 2012, disagreements emerged regarding the rightful succession to the Stool.
A petition filed on September 28, 2012, by the Abakam Effiana Family against the Four Asafo (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4) Companies initiated legal proceedings at the Western Region House of Chiefs, Sekondi, challenging traditional succession rights.
In the latest development sighted by Coleman Publications, a section of the Asafo No. 1 Company and the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene Mmba have issued a formal statement addressing the prolonged dispute surrounding the succession to the Stool.
The statement, released to civil institutions, media outlets, and security bodies, seeks to reaffirm the patrilineal nature of Shama’s chieftaincy succession and clarify misconceptions fueling the crisis.
According to the statement, the dispute traces back to the passing of Nana Kweku Binnah III on June 1, 2012, after which contention arose over the rightful method of succession. While some factions advocate for a matrilineal system, historical records and legal precedents have long recognized patrilineal inheritance as the legitimate process.
The statement further reveals that, to resolve the matter, the Shama Stool Affairs Negotiation Committee was formed. This committee extensively reviewed historical records, verbal testimonies, and legal precedents.
After years of deliberation, the committee reported its findings to the Western Region House of Chiefs that:
- The Shama Stool succession is patrilineal and must continue as such.
- The Four Asafo Companies serve as the Kingmakers, with Asafo No. 1 Company holding the exclusive right to nominate a candidate.
Following the recommendations, Mr. Daniel de Graft Binnah, a direct descendant of the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene Mmba, was nominated and successfully elected as Nana Kuku Mayiku III, Omanhen of Shama Traditional Area. Traditional confinement and installation rituals were performed to solidify his leadership.
Despite this resolution, petitioners continued their legal pursuit, prompting the Western Region House of Chiefs to reissue hearing notices in September 2015. The Ohen Sagu Fie Ebiradze Family joined the legal battle, further intensifying the complexities of the succession dispute.
Subsequently, Asafo Nos. 1 & 4 Companies sought an estoppel ruling in 2019, arguing that historical evidence overwhelmingly confirmed the patrilineal system of succession in Shama.
Official Statement Released
Below is the full statement issued by the Asafo No.1 Company and the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene Mmba, emphasising the need for all parties involved—government authorities, civil institutions, and community members—to acknowledge and respect tradition.
They also called for an end to misleading claims and reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution while upholding long-established customs.
“Press Statement Released By Section Of Asafo No. 1 Company Of Shama And The Royal Paternal Family Of Fraiku Ahene Mmba Of Shama On The Shama Chieftaincy Crisis
Greetings to all Honourable and distinguished Heads of various Civil and Security Institutions, Media Houses, etc., we submit to you the events, which had brought us to this present circumstances we find ourselves.
Death Of Nana Kweku Binnah III and The Petition At The Western Region House Of Chiefs
This crisis began when Nana Kweku Binnah III departed this life and went on to sleep peacefully with his forefather on 1st June, 2012. As the leadership of Shama was fanatically preparing for the burial and funeral observations of the departed Chief, a round of litigation was initiated by the Abakam Effiana Family of Shama, by filing a Petition at ‘The Judicial Committee, the Chieftaincy Tribunal of the Western Region House of Chiefs-Sekondi.’ Dated 28th September, 2012, against the Four Asafo (Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4) Companies of Shama, to claim the Shama stool.
Shama Stool Affairs Negotiation Committee
On Saturday June 22, 2013, Esemaman Development Association invited representatives of all the four Asafo (No. 1, 2, 3 and 4) Companies, the two Nkosohenfo and other important persons from Shama to a meeting. It was then decided that, a Committee be constituted to negotiate Shama Chieftaincy crisis. On 23rd January, 2015, Shama Stool Affairs Negotiation Committee was inaugurated, made up of prominent persons from Shama, to receive from contesting Parties, i.e. history and lineal descendants of the Shama Stool.
The following Parties; Abakam Effiana Family, Asafo Nos. 1 and 4 Companies, Ohen Segu Fie Abiradze Family and Asafo Nos. 2 and 3 Companies submitted their relevant documents and also appeared before the Committee, to do a verbal submission or presentation on the history and lineal descendants of the Shama Stool. The report of findings of the Negotiation Committee was handed over to the Western Region House of Chiefs-Sekondi according to the conditions set.
On 25th of August, 2015, the Parties involved were invited by the Standing Committee of the Western Region House of Chiefs, to brief the parties on the report of the Mediation Committee.
Shama Stool Affairs Negotiation Committee Recommendations
“The Committee therefore, concludes and offers its recommendations as follows:
“8.1 The Succession to the Shama Stool is patrilineal….”
“8.1.2 The patrilineal system of succession had followed from time immemorial…..”
“8.1.3 ……Even to this day succession to the Paramount Stools at Elmina and Shama have remained patrilineal….”
“8.2 It is the four Asafo Companies in Shama who are the Kingmakers.”
“8.3 The Asafo #1 and #4 Companies were able to discharge the burden of proof in both their documentary evidence and oral submission.”
“8.4 The Asafo #1 Company should be vested with the right to nominate a candidate for the consideration of the other Asafo Companies….”
Dated: June 20, 2015……”
Election And Arrest Of A New Paramount Chief Of Shama
Mr. Daniel de Graft Binnah, a son of senior paternal brother of Nana Kweku Binnah III, was selected and elected from among the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene Mmba, and a member of Asafo No.1 Company, was on 22nd September, 2015, arrested and paraded through some principal streets of Shama, among, pouring of libation, on various shrines as customs demands, and went through rituals of confinement.
On 29th September, 2015 the necessary rituals were performed on the sacred Stool and a Chieftaincy name, NANA KUKU MAYIKU III was conferred him as Chief of Shama and Omanhen of Shama Traditional Area.
Petition Revived At The Western Region House Of Chiefs
On September, 2015, the Chieftaincy Tribunal of the Western Region House of Chiefs, Sekondi issued a Hearing Notice to the Parties; Abakam Effiana Family of Shama….Petitioners, Verses: the Four Asafo (Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4) Companies. In September 2015, a writ of petition was also filed by Ohen Sagu Fie Ebiradze Family of Shama (Petitioners) at Chieftaincy Tribunal of the Western Region House of Chiefs-Sekondi, Verses: Abakam Effiana Abradze Family, Shama, and Asafo Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Companies of Shama to claim the Shama stool. The two suits of petitions were consolidated.
Motion On Notice Filed By Asafo Nos. 1 & 4 Companies
Asafo Nos. 1 and 4 Companies on 10th January, 2019 filed a MOTION ON NOTICE, for an estoppel at the Chieftaincy Tribunal of the Western Region House of Chiefs, Sekondi. The reason of an estoppel is that, the issue of the ownership and succession to the Paramount Stool of Shama has been determined and the findings made in published writings and reports from investigative bodies as well as Judgments including the following;
I. KINGSHIP IN ELMINA BEFORE 1869: A STUDY IN ‘FEEDBACK’ AND THE TRADITIONAL IDEALIZATION OF THE PAST. BY DAVID P. HENIGE, 1974
“Succession to the paramount stool in Elmina is patrilineal.…. Today only succession to the paramount stools of Elmina and of Shama coastal town west of Elmina remains patrilineal….” P. 510.
II. HISTORY OF THE GUAN-SPEAKING PEOPLES OF GHANA BY KWAME AMPENE
“Even to this day succession to the Paramount Stools at Elmina and Shama have remained patrilineal.”
III. ADOM SUPOME AND JABI YARBIW: CASES OF IDENTITY IN A PERIOD OF SHIFTING PARAMOUNTCY. By DAVID HENIGE
“For Shama the evidence of patrilineal succession occurs throughout the archival and published literature need not be cite here.” P. 45, Note 75
IV. NATIVE STATE OF GOLD COAST HISTORY AND CONSTITUTION IN AHANTA. By MR. C. W. WELMAN, M. A. (OXON.) of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law. Late Secretary for Native Affairs, Gold Coast. 1930
”In Chama the descent is in the direct male line from father to son.” P. 7 (Note). ”The Chama Constitution closely resembles that of other Akan-speaking peoples, though the unusual practice of direct male descent is followed.” P. 13
V. “The Judicial Committee of the Western Region House of Chiefs-Sekondi Dated 16th April, 1987. NANA KWEIGYE II AND 2 ORS. VS: SUPI KOBINA ETROO & ORDS. P. 97. Judgment Shts.13.
“…..We are also satisfied that it is the No.1 Asafo Company which should nominate a candidate and present same to the other three Asafo Companies. There is overwhelming evidence before us that all the immediate past chiefs of Shama namely:
- Nana Sagu
- Nana Esa
- Nana Fraiku I
- Nana Kweku Binnah I
- Nana Fraiku II
- Nana Kukumayiku II
- Nana Kweku Binnah II
- Nana Kwaw Fraiku III
“Come from the No. 1 Company.
“Since the Shama Stool is patrilineal and children always belong to the Asafo of their fathers then it stands to reason that the Chief should come from the No. 1 Company.”
These cumulatively establishes the following:
- The Shama Paramount Stool belongs to the Oman
- Succession to the Shama Paramount Stool is patrilineal
- The Chief should come from the Asafo No. 1 Company
- There are four (4) Asafo Companies which constitute the Kingmakers of Shama and that it is the No. 1 Asafo Company which nominates a candidate and present same to the other three (3) Asafo Companies.
The Outdooring Of The Omanhen Of Shama Traditional Area
Nana Kuku Mayiku III a.k.a Daniel de Graft Binnah, was outdoor as the Paramount Chief of Shama Traditional Area on Friday, 6th December, 2019. He was lifted high in a palanquin and was paraded through the principal street of Shama. A contempt of Court was instituted on Monday, 21st February, 2020, in a Sekondi High Court against the actors of the outdooring of the Paramount Chief of Shama Traditional Area. On 27th day of May, 2021, a Judgement was given, which all the actors except Nana Kuku Mayiku III, was dismissed, while the Court imposed a fine on Nana Kuku Mayiku III.
The Commencement Of The Auction Sale Of The Shama Stool By The Three Auctioneers
The interval of waiting for the ruling of the pending suit at the Western Region House of Chiefs-Sekondi was a period of rumour mongering. The chief Auctioneer, is the then Supi Papa Gakyie, of Asafo No. 1 Company, who was allegedly widely rumoured that, he had auctioned the Shama Paramount Stool to one Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua, a Galamseyer, in exchange for a car, certain amount of money, certain number of Out Board Motors and various type of fishing nets.
It is alleged that, Papa Gakyie’s paternal grandfather was called Kwamina Baidoo, and hailed from Kromantsi, was in Shama as a Teacher, to practice teaching. This chief Auctioneer of the Shama Paramount Stool Papa Gakyie, is not even a nature born member of Asafo No. 1 Company of Shama, and therefore, could not have been a member of the Supi paternal Family (Supi Egyambafo) and therefore, an illegitimate person to the Supi position. At moment, his eligibility is being challenged in court, that, he is an imposter and an impersonator.
The chief Auctioneer Papa Gakyie, was the one who convinced Emmanuel Kutubabi to entice some of the Asafo No. 1 Company members and Asafohenfo with money and other material things, for them to agree to the sale of the Shama Paramount Stool.
In November, 2023, Emmanuel Kutubabi and Papa Gakyie and their cohorts took to hooliganism, they criminally imported some ‘mach men’ a.k.a. ‘Abolos’ to Bentsir community, which Papa Gakyie personally led, to physically assault and brutalize some members of the Asafo No. 1 Company of Shama. A report was made to Shama Police Station, as at now, no Police prosecution had taken place.
Isaac Kwamina Afful, aka Kwamina Dekyie, was the past CEO of Lower Pra Rural Bank Plc., the failed NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Shama Constituency in the 2024 elections, is the second Auctioneer of the Shama Paramount Stool. It is also strongly rumoured and alleged that, Isaac Kwamina Afful, promised to help to install Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua the Paramount Chief of Shama, if he, Kutubabi will help to finance his political campaign, in so doing, it is alleged that, Emmanuel Kutubabi gave Kwamina Afful a huge undisclosed amount money, and also give him vehicle to help him in his political campaigns. Another allegation which is rumoured is that, it was Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua, who virtually financed Kwamina Afful’s 2024 ‘HOME COMING’ programme.
Isaac Kwamina Afful’s appointment was allegedly terminated by Bank of Ghana, which was allegedly due to embezzlement and other malfeasance that, he committed while he was the CEO of Lower Pra Rural Bank Plc. He was replaced by a released duty Officer from the Bank of Ghana in August 2024. Actually, he was due for retirement on the October, 2024, nonetheless he failed to achieve that, and goes about lying to the people that, he honourably retired from the bank, actually he was allegedly sacked.
The following are some of the allegations of offences he committed:
- He used the bank’s money to purchased land and built office complex at Inchaban and in a deceitful manner, claimed ownership of the office complex building, and hired it out to the same bank.
- He bloated rented office complex buildings, which are used for the bank’s businesses and pocketed the bloated cash.
- He forcefully deducted various sums of money from workers’ salaries at source monthly, in the name Social Corporate Responsibility. He personalized the proceeds of the workers’ contributions and did not render account to anybody. On the other hand, he boasted to have used his personal money on all the projects that, he undertook with the proceeds, of the workers’ contributions. Consequently, he in a mischievous manner, lied to gain popularity.
- An Audit, which was carried out by Bank of Ghana, revealed a rots in a gargantuan proportion. Though the report of the Audit is not yet made public, the snippets of it is very damn.
- He was of the habit of bloating number of items that the bank purchased, and owned the bloated ones.
These are but few of his alleged sins; embezzlement and other malfeasance. We are pleading with the relevant authority’s viz. Bank of Ghana, EOCO, NIB, OSP, who are authorized to handle such subject matters that, as a matter of urgency do the needful for justice to prevail.
Nana Kwamina Wienu II, Chief of Yabiw, the Acting President of the Shama Traditional Council, is the third Auctioneer of the Shama Paramount Stool. He in conjunction with the
Council’s Registrar, Josephine Acquah, allegedly took a huge amount of money from Emmanuel Kutubabi, and in a clandestine behaviour, with cruelly rapacious manner, lied and concocted false information to complete a Chiefs’ Documentation Form (C.D. Form) for the imposter, Emmanuel Kutubabi, styling himself as Nana Kwaw Fraiku IV, Omanhene of Shama Traditional Area.
Nana Kwamina Wienu II, is the Chief of Yabiw and Adontenhene of Shama Traditional Area. Since the demise of Nana Kweku Binnah III, Nana Kwamina Wienu II had orchestrated chieftaincy disputes at various settlements, which he personally benefited, materially or monetary, viz. Shama, Ituma, Komfoaku, Atweboanda, etc. Nana Kwamina Wienu II ascended the Stool of Yabiw by default, with help his uncle, the late Supi Yaw Kesie, who was Supi of Asafo Company of Yabiw. For this reason the Asafo Company of Yabiw filed destoolment charges at Shama Traditional Council.
Nana Kwamina Wienu II had been accused by Asafo Company of Yabiw of mishandling of stool regalia and could not account for it. Nana Kwamina Wienu II cannot be trusted, he is known to be notorious in his dealings, which lacks integrity even among his fellow chiefs within Shama Traditional Area. The behaviour of Nana Kwamina Wienu II had eroded the respect and trust accorded the chieftaincy institution.
Western Region House Of Chiefs-Sekondi Judicial Committee Ruling And Matters Arisng
A day or two, before the ruling was given, section of Asafo No. 1 Company and Asafo Nos. 2 & 3 enquired from the Shama Police Commander, ASP Obeng, whether someone had place an application (Public Order Act) to demonstrate in any form publicly? He answered that, no person had done that.
On the 14th February, 2025, the Judicial Committee of the Western Region House of ChiefsSekondi, verbally ruled in favour of MOTION ON NOTICE for an estoppel res judicata. Meaning all petitions relating to the Shama Paramount Stool was dismissed, and that, in one month time, the written ruling would be made available.
On this same day, an unknown person by name Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua, who styled himself as Nana Kwaw Fraiku IV, was carried in palanquin and paraded through some streets of Shama town as the elected Paramount Chief of Shama. Among his entourage were the personnel of Ghana Police Service led by ASP Obeng, the Shama District Police Commander. In fact, this was the same District Police Commander, who had said that, no person had place an application (Public Order Act) to demonstrate in any form publicly.
One notable incident was when the Asafo Nos. 2 and 3 Companies based at Apo section refused them entry, to pass through to the Fraiku Shrine. The fact is that, all past Paramount Chiefs were taken to the Fraiku Shrine for libation to be poured as part of the rituals of the installation. This therefore indicate that, Emmanuel Kutubabi at the time of this press release, cannot be said to be Chief of Shama.
On the next day, 15th day of February, 2025, Nana Kuku Mayiku III, was requested by the faction of Asafo Nos. 1 Company led by Safohen Panyin Egya Kojo to proceed to Shama from Ituma, where he reside. That, the faction of the Asafo Nos. 1 and 4 Companies had agreed with Asafo Nos. 2 and 3 Companies to present Nana Kuku Mayiku III to be taken to the Fraiku Shrine for libation to be poured, which was done, as part of installation processes.
From there, he was lifted high in a palanquin with a huge number of people in attendance, and was paraded through the principal street of Apo, through to Bentsir. On the way to Ɛtsifi, the procession was disrupted by thugs armed with cutlasses and sticks, but the thugs were driven away from the scene, and the procession continued. It was later alleged that, these armed thugs were released by Emmanuel Kutubabi, Isaac Kwamina Afful and Papa Gakyie to attack Nana Kuku Mayiku III and if possible killed him, but this attempt failed.
This was a significant event of Shama history and should be taken note of, that, the first time since 1926 (during Nana Kweku Binnah II installation) that, Bentsir and Apo had joined together to install a Chief of Shama. In 1942, during Nana Kwaw Fraiku III installation processes, Bentsir and Apo fought with guns; certain number of people dead. Nana Kweku Binnah III installation processes, came with a heightened tensions that, Bentsir and Apo nearly fought each other.
On the 17th February, 2025, thereabout, Hon. Emilia Arthur MP for Shama Constituency made a declaration on ‘Nyaspo Radio’ which would then work in tandem with the a Police ‘RESTRAINING ORDER’ that, after the release of the written ruling from the Western Region House of Chiefs, an eminent persons shall be assembled to determine the rightful person to the Shama stool. On the 18th February, 2025, a Police ‘RESTRAINING ORDER’ was issued, since then, no public event relating to Shama chieftaincy took place.
The Shama Traditional Council Meeting
Since the issuance of the Police ‘RESTRAINING ORDER’, no public event relating to Shama chieftaincy took place, until Sunday, 13th of March 2025, we heard of a clandestine activities of the three Auctioneers of the Shama stool to arrange a bogus Traditional Council meeting. The invitation to the meeting was published on evening of Sunday, 13th of March 2025, while the meeting was to be held on Monday 14th of March 2025, with no agenda attached to it.
Some selected Chiefs who allegedly preferred bribery were personally called, while those who allegedly detested bribery were ignored. The sham Shama Traditional Council meeting came on as planned on that Monday morning. Nana Kwamina Wienu II was alleged to have said at the meeting that, Emmanuel Kutubabi have been gazetted and therefore, he has handed over the affairs of Traditional Council to him as the Paramount of Shama. After the meeting, Emmanuel Kutubabi’s convey of cars were seen on the streets of Shama amidst firing of guns.
In the annals of Shama traditions and customs, the first Traditional Council meeting of a Paramount of Shama is held in public. All the Chiefs in the Traditional Area would process, from a stating known point to an ending point, those who deserve to be in palanquin would be carried high and those not, would walk.
At a specific area of Shama, all important persons of both political and non-political, people from all walks of life, the four Asafo Companies would be in attendance. This is time that, the swearing of oaths (the three great oaths of Shama) are administered for both Shama and the Traditional Area.
Emmanuel Kutubabi A.K.A. Kwesi Essua, Who Is He?
Who is this Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua? Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua had been involved in Galamsey activities, he was part of Mireku Duker’s group of illegal mining enterprise, labelled community mining.
The following is the paternal lineage of Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua:
The father is called Edward Kutubabi a.k.a. Egya Kojo Dadzie; the grandfather was called Safohen Kwesi Essua of Asafo No. 4 Company of Shama. For this reason, Emmanuel
Kutubabi inherited his grandfather’s Asafo No. 4 Company position as Safohen, therefore, Kwesi Essua is a member of Asafo No. 4 Company and not Asafo No. 1 Company.
The following is the maternal lineage of Emmanuel Kutubabi: The mother is called Maame Kuukuwa; the grandmother was called Maame Donkor; the great grandmother was called Maame Adjoa. This Maame Adjoa was the maternal sister of Nana Kwaw Fraiku III. Therefore Emmanuel Kutubabi relates to Nana Kwaw Fraiku III as his maternal great granduncle and not a paternal great grandfather.
Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua is either a member of Asafo No. 1 Company of Shama, or a member of the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene mmba of Shama. These customary conditions therefore, disqualifies Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua from becoming a Chief of Shama and an Omanhene of Shama Traditional Area.
The CHIEFTAINCY ACT, 2008 (ACT 759), Section 57 Subsection 1, defines who a chief is as follows: “A chief is a person who, hailing from the appropriate family and lineage, has validly nominated, elected or selected and enstooled, enskinned or installed as a chief or queenmother in accordance with the relevant customary law and usage.”
The questions is? When was Emmanuel Kutubabi arrested, paraded in public through Shama town, and confined? When and where did Emmanuel Kutubabi’s installation take place?
It is alleged that, the inspiration behind Emmanuel Kutubabi’s spending of huge amount of money to become the Paramount Chief of Shama, is due to the presence of gold in the Pra River estuary and the adjoining land, for essay acquisition and to mine it.
Emmanuel Kutubabi is imposter, impersonator and notorious; we do not want such character as our Omanhene. We do not want and a bribe giver, a destroyer of traditions and customs, a Galamseyer, who disregards and disrespects laws and regulations, yes, Galamseyers are classified as environmental terrorists. He uses macho men to intimidate the people of Shama, one who lives a life of obscurity, and lacks integrity. We do not want such as our Omanhene.
The people of Shama, comprising Bentsirfo, Apofo, and Ɛtsififo, know their Omanhene. Their Omanhene is called Nana Kuku Mayiku III a.k.a. Daniel de Graft Binnah. He is of the royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Mmba, not an imposter or an impersonator, but honest, hardworking, knowledgeable, unblemished character, an epitome of good manners, gentility and custodian of traditional customary law, respectful and law abiding, intelligent and a wise.
Our warning goes to Kwesi Essua and his sponsors that, any attempt to force himself on us would be catastrophic, for we shall fight to maintain our dignity, for we shall not sit aloof for an imposter to impost himself upon us. This also goes to the appropriate quarters, particularly, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, to be mindful of the wrongful persons who had infiltrated into the chieftaincy institution, just like this very one that, we are battling. They are the very once that, are debasing and depriving the chieftaincy institution of its sanctity, losing its sacred nature.
We are also calling on the various investigative agencies, i.e. GRA, EOCO, NIB, OSP, etc. to initiate a life style audit on Emmanuel Kutubabi a.k.a. Kwesi Essua.
Thank you all for the concerned shown during this trying times of the people of Shama. Yours-In-Service.”
Download the Full statement below;
You Can Download the Press Statement released by section of Asafo No1 Company of Shama and the Royal Paternal Family of Fraiku Ahene Mmba of Shama on the Sham Chieftancy Crisis below;
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