Anlo elder Torgbiga Wenya III opposes plan to raise 36 settlements to paramountcies

Pinned summary · as of 21:01

MyJoyOnline reported that Torgbiga Wenya III, who holds the title Dutor of the Anlo Dukor, has come out against a proposal by the Awoamefia, Torgbi Sri III, to give 36 Anlo State settlements paramount status. The objection was set out in a communique from the Council of Elders of the Loafe Clan, according to MyJoyOnline.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

• ?
  MyJoyOnline reported that Torgbiga Wenya III, backed by the Loafe Clan's Council of Elders, called the proposal an attempt to weaken the established traditional order of the Anlo Kingdom.
• ?
  According to MyJoyOnline, the communique was signed by Fiator Ing. Etsey Gbekor, secretary of the clan's Council of Elders, and replied to a letter dated 17 September 2026 (reference ADC/AWS/2026/09/009) that invited selected chiefs to be raised to Paramount Chief rank.
• ?
  MyJoyOnline said Torgbiga Wenya III maintains that the Awoamefia has no power to promote chiefs to paramount level, and that doing so could upset existing structures.
• ?
  According to MyJoyOnline, Torgbiga Wenya III holds that, going by long-standing custom and history, the 36 settlements already sit under established paramountcies, and that the plan would only bring more confusion and division.
• ?
  MyJoyOnline reported that Torgbiga Wenya III blamed certain people who manage the Awoamefia's affairs for launching the elevation agenda to pursue narrow interests of their own, and alleged that they exploited his infirmity to stir unrest in the kingdom.
• ?
  MyJoyOnline said the statement also expressed concern that the Awoamefia is no longer able to perform his official functions, citing his old age and failing health.
• ?
  According to MyJoyOnline, Torgbiga Wenya III told the Awoamefia to halt preparations for the proposed ceremony at once.
• ?
  MyJoyOnline reported the warning that, should the Awoamefia go ahead, the Loafe clan would in the coming days formally withdraw from him the customary mandate of Dutor Wenya, and declare the seat empty, then ask the Royal Adzovia clan to put forward a regent pending the needed customary rites.
• ?
  MyJoyOnline said Torgbiga Wenya III recalled that when the earlier Awoamefia, Torgbi Adeladza II, fell ill, Torgbi Dzokoto Gligui VI was named Regent to handle the duties temporarily.

Why it matters for Ghana

A dispute over who can confer paramount status touches how chieftaincy authority is organised across the Anlo area in the Volta Region. Communities among the 36 settlements named could see their standing in the traditional hierarchy change, so the outcome matters to residents and local leaders.