The Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, has elevated 24 chiefs in the traditional area to various statuses.

Six of the chiefs were elevated as Abrempong (divisional chiefs), while 13 of them were promoted to the positions of Osabarima, with five of them being elevated to the ranks of Barima.

The Omanhene announced the elevation at the first traditional council meeting for 2026 at his palace at Akyem Oda last Tuesday.

The newly elevated Abrempong are Obrempong Ankomah Bempong, the Abontendomhene of the traditional area; Obrempong Kwasi Sasu, the Awosohene; Obrempong Asare Duodu Gyimah, Ayirebihene; Obrempong Yeboah Osei Hwedie II, Nwinsohene; Obrempong Kwame Ankomah, Kotoku Akwansrahene and Obrempong Okwaning Akyem Amponsah II, Akenkansuhene.

Some of the chiefs who were elevated to the status of Osabarima are the Akyem Asuosohene, Osabarima Asibe Darkwah; Osabarima Kwabena Ofori II, Akrosohene and Osabarima Kusi Boadu, Kusihene.

Advice

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso advised the elevated chiefs to live beyond reproach and continue to exhibit the sterling qualities that earned them their positions of responsibility.

He admonished them to be submissive and be prepared to serve their subjects with humility, but not to lord it over them, stressing that they should accept constructive criticisms in good faith to improve their services.

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso urged the elevated chiefs to leverage their influence to attract investment to the area, create employment opportunities for youth and strengthen the local economy.

He stated that the traditional council was taking practical measures to establish industrial farms and construct estates to improve people's quality of life.

Coconut plantation

The omanhene announced that the traditional council would soon establish large-scale coconut plantations and an industry to process and export coconut oil to generate revenue and develop the area.

He said the traditional council had contacted the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddi Adams and Zi Jin Mining Company at New Abirem to offer practical assistance towards the reconstruction of the Oda Sports Stadium.

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso, on behalf of the traditional council, set up a seven-member committee to plan a befitting funeral for the departed paramount chiefs in the traditional area.

The Krontihene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Obrempong Gyamfi Saforo Kyereh, advised the newly promoted chiefs to comport themselves and refrain from chieftaincy and land disputes that hinder progress.

The Gyaasehene, Obrempong Kwasi Amo Kyeretwie, admonished them to mobilise all available human and material resources in their communities to improve the quality of life for the people.

The Nwinsohene, Obrempong Yeboah Osei Hwedie II, on behalf of the elevated chiefs, thanked the omanhene and the traditional council for the honour done them and promised to live up to expectations.