In Ghana, 36 Anlo chiefs’ elevation to paramount status challenged — MyJoyOnline
In Ghana, the Dutor of Anlo, Torgbiga Wenya III, opposed a proposal by the Awoamefia, Torgbui Sri III, to grant 36 Anlo chiefs paramount chief status. Torgbiga Wenya III’s position was supported by the council of elders of the Loafe clan, MyJoyOnline reports.
Dispute over traditional authority
In a communiqué signed by the secretary of the Loafe clan’s council of elders, Fiator, Engineer Etsi Gbekor, the proposal was described as an attempt to undermine the established structure of traditional authority in the Anlo Kingdom.
The statement was issued in response to an invitation letter dated September 17, 2026, numbered ADC/AWS/2026/09/009. The letter invited selected local chiefs to a ceremony elevating them to paramount chief status.
According to Torgbiga Wenya III, the Awoamefia does not have customary authority to grant such status. He also stated that all 36 communities are already part of existing paramountcies, and that the planned procedure could deepen misunderstandings and divisions in the kingdom.
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Call to halt the ceremony
Torgbiga Wenya III called on Torgbui Sri III to immediately stop preparations for the ceremony. He said that if it is nevertheless held, the Loafe clan may in the coming days formally withdraw the customary authority granted to the Awoamefia by Dutor Wenya and declare the office vacant.
He also recommended inviting the Adzovia royal clan to nominate a regent who would temporarily exercise the Awoamefia’s powers until the necessary customary rites begin. The statement noted that, under similar circumstances, Torgbui Dzokoto Gligui VI had been appointed regent to temporarily perform the Awoamefia’s duties.
The council of elders also stated that Torgbui Sri III cannot fully perform his duties due to his age and health condition. In its view, people managing his affairs may have taken advantage of this to advance the initiative; this claim is the position of the Loafe clan’s council of elders.
