Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, has been re-elected as the President of the National House of Chiefs (NHC).
In a tightly contested election, he garnered 42 out of 73 valid votes, defeating his main rival, Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, who secured 30 votes. One ballot was rejected.
Buipewura Jinapor elected Vice-President
In the election for Vice-President, Buipewura Abdullai Jinapor II emerged victorious with 54 votes.
He triumphed over three other contenders: Nana Soglo Alo IV, Okotweresuo Kantamanso Oworae, and Yelezoya Asaba.
The voting, supervised by officials from the Electoral Commission in the Ashanti Region, marked another chapter in the leadership of Ghana’s traditional governance system.
Legal challenges and election deliberations
The election process was initially fraught with obstacles. A Deputy Registrar informed the House of two lawsuits filed to restrain the elections from proceeding, casting uncertainty over the day’s events.
Further delays arose when some members insisted that the House be formally constituted and its members sworn in before voting commenced.
A standoff ensued, prompting extensive deliberations.
The deadlock was resolved when members voted on whether the election should proceed.
In the resulting vote, 48 members supported the continuation of the elections, while 24 opposed.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II’s re-election strengthens his leadership at a time when traditional authority is playing an increasingly vital role in Ghana’s governance and socio-economic development.
As President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II is expected to continue advocating for the preservation of culture, conflict resolution, and collaboration with the government to address national issues, ensuring that chieftaincy remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s progress.
