Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the Paramount Chief of Kwahu, has officially been destooled following his involvement in a financial scandal as the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) board chairman.
The Kwahu Traditional Council determined to safeguard the integrity of the Kwahu state, performed the destoolment ceremony on October 19, 2024, at Abene.
The decision comes after allegations surfaced that Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, who also held the position of Board Chairman of ADB, extorted GH₵2 million from businessman Collins Darkwah Aboagye under the pretense of facilitating a GH₵12 million loan. Despite Mr. Aboagye paying a GH₵50,000 facilitation fee and the agreed loan amount, he claimed that the chief delayed the repayment and only returned a portion of the money after prolonged pressure.
The controversy gained national attention, and on October 10, 2024, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) issued a directive demanding that Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II step down as Board Chairman of ADB, citing reputational damage to the bank. The BoG declared that his continued presence at the bank was untenable, leading to widespread calls for his removal from both his financial and traditional leadership roles.
Traditional Council’s Action
The destoolment ceremony at Abene was marked by traditional rituals, with Akyeameng Nana Asiedu Kwarbeng IV and other Kwahu leaders performing libation to symbolically relieve Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II of his chieftaincy duties. Addressing the gathering, Nana Kwarbeng IV emphasized that the destoolment was necessary to protect the dignity of the Kwahu state.
“The Kwahu Traditional Council took notice of the scandal and acted swiftly to destool Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, to restore the honor of our state,” Nana Kwarbeng IV said during the ritual.
This significant action by the traditional council reflects its unwavering commitment to preserving the values and reputation of the Kwahu people. Even in the face of controversy involving a prominent chief, the council moved decisively to uphold justice and integrity.
Background on the Scandal
The scandal that led to the destoolment centers around a loan facilitation process at ADB. Businessman Collins Darkwah Aboagye accused Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II of extorting him during his attempt to secure a GH₵12 million loan. Mr. Aboagye alleged that the chief promised to assist him in exchange for a substantial financial benefit, but failed to fulfill his promises after receiving the payments. This led to his resignation from ADB and eventually, his destoolment as the Kwahuhene.
Leadership Transition
The Kwahu Traditional Council convened a traditional executive meeting at the Abetifi Palace on October 21, 2024, where the Benkum, Nifa, Adonten, Kyidom, and Okwawu Gyaase divisions endorsed the decision to remove Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, known privately as Eugene Asante.
The council has also appointed Abetifihene, Nana Akyeamfour Asiedu Agyemang III, as the Acting President of the Kwahu Traditional Area. He will oversee the affairs of the traditional area until a new Kwahuhene is enstooled.
This destoolment is a very critical chapter in Kwahu’s history, reflecting the council’s readiness to uphold accountability and ensure that leadership remains aligned with the values of the Kwahu people.
