TWELVE PARAMOUNT CHIEFS APPOINTED TO ASANTEMAN STANDING COMMITTEE.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II tasks committee to safeguard tradition, promote development and ensure the timely resolution of chieftaincy disputes
MANHYIA PALACE, KUMASI — The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reconstituted a 15-member Standing Committee of the Asanteman Council, comprising 12 Paramount Chiefs and other traditional representatives, to strengthen the administration of traditional affairs, protect Asante customs and promote development across the Asante traditional jurisdiction.
The composition of the committee was announced on October 19, 2026, during a meeting of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the seat of the Asantehene and the traditional administration of Asanteman.
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The committee is chaired by Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, the Asante Mamponghene, and is expected to play a significant role in addressing emerging traditional concerns, supporting Paramount Chiefs and helping maintain order within the various Asante paramountcies.
Its membership reflects representation from several regions, including Ahafo, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Oti and Eastern, as well as Kumasi.
The initiative underscores the importance of traditional leadership and collective decision-making in addressing issues affecting the Asante Kingdom and its communities.
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
The 12 Paramount Chiefs appointed to the committee represent the following traditional areas:
Ahafo Region: Ntotorosohene and Hwediemheme.
Ashanti Region: Bekwaihene and Manso Nkwantahene.
Bono Region: Japekromhene and Sampahene.
Bono East Region: Nkoranzahene and Amantenhene.
Kumasi: Bantamahene and Akwamuhene.
Oti Region: Woraworahene.
Eastern Region: Dikomanhene.
The committee is further supported by two linguists of the Asantehene, Kyeamehene Nsuase Poku and Baffour Kantankrankye, who are expected to contribute to its work through their traditional roles and knowledge of Asante customs and protocols.
The inclusion of chiefs from different traditional areas is intended to provide a broader perspective on matters affecting Asanteman and facilitate communication between the Asanteman Council and the various communities under its traditional influence.
TERMS OF REFERENCE: TRADITION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE
The committee’s terms of reference are expected to focus on several key areas, based on concerns and recommendations raised by members of the Asanteman Council.
These include the preservation and promotion of Asante traditions and cultural values, the advancement of development initiatives, and efforts to address conduct considered inimical to the interests of Asanteman.
The committee is also expected to help restore order in affected Asante paramountcies, support Paramount Chiefs in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities, and contribute to the resolution of disputes and other emerging challenges.
Another important responsibility will be to liaise with the Asanteman Council and relevant regional representatives to facilitate the timely consideration and resolution of issues brought before the traditional leadership.
Through these responsibilities, the committee is expected to serve as an important link between the Asantehene, the Asanteman Council and the various traditional authorities represented in its membership.
However, its work will be guided by the formal terms of reference to be established for the committee.
OTUMFUO DIRECTS COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP FORMAL TERMS OF REFERENCE
Addressing the Council, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II charged Daasebre Osei Bonsu III and the other committee members to pay close attention to the concerns raised by Nananom, the respected traditional rulers, and translate those concerns into clear and workable terms of reference.
The Asantehene indicated that the committee’s responsibilities must be properly defined to ensure that it operates effectively and addresses the matters entrusted to it.
He also announced his intention to meet the committee members before their mandate officially takes effect.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to clarify their responsibilities, establish expectations and ensure that the committee’s work aligns with the broader objectives of the Asanteman Council.
FLEXIBILITY IN COUNCIL MEETINGS
In a significant observation concerning the handling of traditional cases, Otumfuo announced that meetings of the Asanteman Council would no longer be strictly tied to the customary schedule of the second Monday following Akwasidae.
Akwasidae is an important Asante traditional observance held in accordance with the Akan calendar and is closely associated with the honouring of ancestors and the renewal of traditional bonds.
Explaining the need for flexibility, the Asantehene said the committee should be allowed to complete its preparatory work and investigations thoroughly before matters are brought forward for consideration.
He cautioned against rushing cases merely to meet scheduled meeting dates, stressing that accuracy, diligence and careful investigation must take precedence.
According to Otumfuo:
“Our meetings will no longer be limited to the second Monday after Akwasidae. If we go by that arrangement, we will meet nine times every year. However, with this committee in place, you can call for a meeting anytime you are ready and prepared. This means we can meet four times a year instead of nine. We don’t want you to rush things and err.”
The statement signals a proposed shift towards a more flexible approach to the Council’s meeting schedule, with the committee expected to help ensure that cases are adequately processed before they are presented for deliberation.
The arrangement is intended to give the committee sufficient time to examine issues carefully, avoid procedural mistakes and support more informed decisions.
GREAT OATH CASES TO RECEIVE PRIOR ATTENTION.
The Asantehene also emphasised that cases involving the Great Oath must not be unnecessarily delayed.
In Asante tradition, the Great Oath, known in Twi as Ntam Kɛseɛ, carries profound cultural and traditional significance. Matters involving it are treated with particular seriousness within the traditional system.
Otumfuo directed that such cases must first be brought before him for the necessary traditional rites before they are referred to the committee for further consideration.
The directive highlights the importance of respecting established customary procedures when handling sensitive traditional matters.
It also clarifies that the committee’s involvement in such cases must follow the appropriate process under the authority of the Asantehene.
OTUMFUO EXPRESSES CONFIDENCE IN DAASEBRE.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed confidence in the leadership of Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, who will chair the committee.
The Asantehene referred to the Asante Mamponghene’s oath of allegiance and expressed the expectation that he would remain faithful to his commitment.
“You have sworn allegiance to me, and so I know you will not break your oath,” Otumfuo stated.
The remark underscored the importance of truth, loyalty, integrity and accountability in the discharge of traditional responsibilities.
As chairman, Daasebre will be expected to lead the committee’s deliberations, coordinate its work and help ensure that matters referred to it receive the necessary attention.
A COMMITTEE WITH IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES.
The reconstitution of the Standing Committee comes with expectations that it will contribute to the effective handling of traditional affairs, the protection of Asante cultural values and the promotion of peace and development within the communities it serves.
Its effectiveness will depend on the clarity of its mandate, the diligence of its investigations, cooperation among its members and its ability to work constructively with the Asanteman Council and the relevant traditional authorities.
The committee’s work will also be important in ensuring that disputes and other sensitive matters are handled with due regard for established customs, appropriate procedures and the authority of the Asantehene.
With its membership drawn from several traditional areas, the committee is positioned to bring different local perspectives to issues affecting Asanteman while supporting a coordinated approach to traditional administration.
As the committee prepares to begin its mandate, attention will turn to the formal terms of reference to be issued and the practical steps it will take to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to it by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Written by: Sir Lord
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