Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, the new Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, took the oath of office before the chiefs and residents of the region yesterday. He vowed to be honest in all of his dealings.
After being introduced to the chiefs and the populace on June 6 of this year and being imprisoned for 21 days, the event, which took place on the forecourt of the Yiadom-Hwedie Palace in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Regional, confirmed his status as the substantive paramount chief.
Businessman John Kwadwo Yeboah Gyamfi, 51, a.k.a. Daasebre Boateng, replaces the late Daasebre Professor Emeritus Oti Boateng, who passed away last year.
Tradition
After taking the oath of office, the divisional chiefs of the traditional territory took turns pledging the oath of loyalty to him in accordance with Asante custom and tradition.
A sizable crowd followed it as Daasebre Boateng rode in a palanquin and was paraded around the main streets of Koforidua while being accompanied by traditional music and dancing.
enduring legacy
Daasebre Boateng promised the audience, which included Nana Otuo Siriboe II, the Omanhene of Juaben, that he would carry on his predecessor's heritage of "standing for the peace and prosperity of the New Juaben Traditional Area."
He said that maintaining the heritage required the cooperation of the local leaders and populace.
Respect
The Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo Siriboe, advised anybody accepting the position of chief to always be genuine with the populace.
He explained that any chief who fed his people falsehoods would receive the same treatment in return.
In order for the people to honour him appropriately as Omanhene, the Juabenhene encouraged the new Omanhene to show respect to both his subordinate chiefs and the general populace.
Development
Daasebre Boateng was instructed to lead the populace in implementing development initiatives in New Juaben by Nana Otuo Siriboe because there were no longer any tribal battles to be waged there.
Daasebre Boateng was further instructed by him to assist in generating employment prospects for the local youngsters.
The Juabenhene said he would end poverty and enhance the standard of living for those living under his paramountcy.