Eastern Nzema Traditional Area in the Western Region is at the centre of a renewed chieftaincy dispute after the Chief Advisor to the gazetted Omanhene raised concerns over state handling of the matter.

At a press conference held at Tang Palace Hotel in Accra on May 7, 2026, Nana Enu Kpanyinli Annor Amihere, speaking for His Royal Majesty Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III, said the Omanhene is currently abroad on “security self-exile” and presented what he described as factual evidence on the dispute.

Nana Amihere cited President John Dramani Mahama’s December 16, 2025 remarks in Bawku, where the President emphasised upholding the constitution and recognising only the “truly gazetted Chief.”

He contrasted that position with developments in Eastern Nzema, arguing that the government’s actions there have created the same chaos the President warned against in Bawku.

According to the statement, Mr. Berenger Aka Flanton is not gazetted and is subject to a pending injunction from the Western Region House of Chiefs Judicial Committee barring him from acting as Omanhene.

Nana Amihere also said the state dropped a case against Mr. Flanton and his associates over his alleged illegal installation as Awulae Blay IX “for want of prosecution,” and alleged there was an attempt on Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III’s life at the Atuabo Royal Palace, which he described as a crime scene.

He further stated that the Western Regional Minister has directed Ghana Police to provide 24-hour protection for Mr. Flanton inside the Atuabo Royal Palace, while the gazetted Omanhene remains in exile.

The statement also accused the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources of recognizing Awulae Amihere Kpanyinli III when the President is present but recognizing Mr. Flanton at durbars when the President is absent.

Nana Amihere said his office has documents including the official gazette, a letter from the Kingmakers, the injunction order, the nolle prosequi, and photos of police at the Palace, and intends to make them public.

He concluded: “The victim is in exile. The suspect is in the Palace. The police guard the suspect. That is the story.