Odikro of Kwadaso removed from stool over misconduct claims

Traditional authorities in the Ashanti Region have removed the Odikro of Kwadaso, Nana Asare Bediako II, after accusing him of misconduct, disobedience, and abuse of his position.

The decision was carried out by the Bantama Traditional Council, led by Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, and formally sealed during a customary ceremony at the Kwadaso Palace on Monday, 13 April 2026.

The destoolment rites were performed by Nana Kofi Owusu, the Bantamahene’s Gyasehene, acting on behalf of the Bantama chief. As part of the customary process, a ram was slaughtered to signify the complete removal of the Odikro from office.

Family elders say the move followed years of concern over his conduct.

Speaking after the ceremony, Nana Akwasi Abu, who is the Aduana Abusuapanin of the royal family, said the now-destooled chief had failed to live up to the responsibilities of his office and had engaged in land transactions that were not properly sanctioned, particularly in the Sofoline area.

He also accused him of showing disregard for the authority of the Bantama Traditional Council.

According to him, although Nana Asare Bediako II had occupied the stool for 27 years, he had not met his obligations to the royal family and had repeatedly ignored summons issued by the Bantamahene to answer the allegations against him.

For the traditional council, that conduct appears to have been the tipping point.

Even so, the reaction within parts of the royal family has been measured, with some indicating that they accept the decision as one made through the recognised traditional process.

The destoolment has nonetheless stirred strong discussion in Kwadaso, where residents are now weighing what the leadership change could mean for local administration, especially in relation to land matters.