Asafo warriors of the Osu Stool on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, invaded a programme organized by the US Embassy to protest the involvement of Bernard Botchway, also known as Nortse Nii Nortey Owuo IV in his purported capacity as the Osu Mantse.
The event was a special musical performance by the United States Army Europe Barborossa, Woodwind Quintet at the Ringway Estate Basic School, Osu.
It was being organized by the US Embassy in collaboration with the Bernard Botchway, who the Osu Kinkawe Dzaase, the traditional authority responsible for the selection and installation of chiefs in Osu in February stated was not the Osu Mantse as claimed and should not be recognized as such.
The traditional authority emphasized that the self-styled chief is the subject of a suit at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs.
The Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs has, therefore, placed a restraining order against all claimants to the stool, including Bernard Botchway.
Clad in red apparel, the Asafo warriors chanted war songs and demanding Botchway’s exclusion from the event.
Earlier, a youth group called Osu for Peace, Progress and Unity Movement (OPPUM) conveyed their strong reservations to the US Embassy on the said collaboration with Bernard Botchway in a press statement.
The statement signed by the PRO, Reginald Opintan, said the modus operandi of Bernard Botchway, has been to attend high profile events and to seek photo and video opportunities in a bid to create “false legitimacy”, and cautioned the US Embassy not to be pawns in his schemes.
“Bernard Botchway has been restrained by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs from holding himself as Osu Mantse. However, ever since the Regional House of Chiefs placed the Restraining Order on him, he has refused to respect the Order, and has been aided by one Ishmael Adumuah, a person we all know used to be the Oshiahene of Osu but has been dismissed by the Dzaase for his lawless acts,” the statement said.
It added that both Bernard Botchway and Ishmael Adumuah had been cited for contempt at the High Court but because of their connections with some individuals and government officials in the past NPP government, they succeeded in delaying proceedings at the High Court.
“We have written to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Dr. Dominic Ayine to ensure the speedy trial of this case to prevent these individuals from taking our legal system for a ride. They have disrespected the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and they are now doing same to the High Court,” the statement noted.
It added that the activities of the two individuals are creating needless tensions in Osu.
“As youth, we are worried about the development, peace and security of Osu because of the lawless activities of these two individuals.
“Bernard Botchway has now formed what he claims to be Osu Stool Council and purports to be the President of this body, which is alien to the customs and traditions of Osu.
“Indeed, in the customs and traditions of Osu, there is no body known as the Osu Stool Council. What exists are the Osu Traditional Council and the Osu Stool. His desperation to become Osu Mantse is so intense that he has gone berserk creating institutions that do not exist within the traditional set up of Osu,” the statement added.
The group urged the US Embassy to desist from entertaining the said Bernard Botchway and Ishmael Adumuah since they did not have any legitimate authority in Osu.
“We also wish to advise the media to be careful about giving their platforms to these individuals whose actions are threatening the peace and security in Osu.
“Additionally, we wish to advise government officials, politicians, diplomats, business organisations and the general public to be careful about their association with these individuals who have decided to disrespect the laws of the land. By their association with them, they are helping to create a system of confusion and lawlessness,” the statement said.
The group urged all indigenes of Osu, particularly, the youth to remain calm and avoid any lawless acts. “Let us respect the constitution of our dear country: let us protect the honour and respect of our chieftaincy institution,” the statement ADDED.
“However, we wish to serve notice that should these individuals continue to be allowed to disrespect the customs and traditions of Osu, then the youth of Osu shall rise and embark on peaceful but relentless protests to drum home our message,” the statement added and affirmed that OPPUM remained committed to building a strong, peaceful, prosperous and united Osu.
