This message is issued as clear education and also as a serious warning to those who continue to speak from ignorance.
I have seen many comments, particularly from some Ashantis, claiming they will summon me to Manhyia to appear before the Ashantihene. Some have gone further to send the same threats into my private messages.
Let this be understood plainly.
This is not fear, and it is not provocation. It is education backed by law and fact.
The Ashantihene is a Paramount Chief of Kumasi.
He is not the King of Kumasi and not the King of Ghana.
Under the 1992 Constitution and the Chieftaincy Act, all Paramount Chiefs in Ghana are equal in legal authority and status. This includes the Paramount Chiefs of Ejisu, Mampong, Bekwai, Dwaben, Nsuta, and every other traditional area, including those within the Ashanti Region itself.
There is no overlordship in Ghana’s chieftaincy system.
The highest traditional authority recognized by law is a Paramount Chief. Nothing above that exists in law.
WHY THE ASHANTIHENE IS NOT A KING
✓He does not rule a sovereign state
✓He does not possess constitutional sovereignty
✓He does not command a national army
✓He does not control borders immigration or foreign policy
✓He does not issue national laws
✓He does not collect national taxes
✓He does not have supremacy over other Paramount Chiefs
✓He does not sit above the Constitution of Ghana
✓He does not appoint or dismiss state officials
✓His authority is customary and territorially limited to Kumasi
Because of these facts, any comparison between the Ashantihene and King Charles III, the King of Morocco, or the King of Eswatini is legally false and intellectually dishonest. Those are sovereign or constitutional monarchs. Otumfuo is a Paramount Chief under a republic.
ON THE THREATS OF SUMMONING ME
Let this be taken as a final clarification.
I will not appear before the Ashantihene, because he has no authority over me.
If you reside in Kumasi, it is culturally advisable to respect him and honor an invitation. However, it is not compulsory under law.
If I reside in Ejisu, my traditional authority is the Paramount Chief of Ejisu, not the Ashantihene. I do not bypass my own traditional area to answer to another.
ON THE FALSE CLAIM THAT OTHER PARAMOUNT CHIEFS ARE UNDER HIM
That claim is false, unconstitutional, and misleading.
There is no Paramount Chief under another Paramount Chief in Ghana. All Paramount Chiefs are equals and answer only through the Regional House of Chiefs, not to one individual.
Any structure suggesting subordination of Paramount Chiefs is not recognized by the Constitution, not supported by statute, and not binding on me. Such claims arise from ignorance fear or blind reverence, not from law or authentic tradition.
ON THE CLAIM THAT THE ASHANTIHENE IS ABOVE THE PRESIDENT
That statement exposes a deep lack of civic education.
There is no authority higher than the President of the Republic of Ghana, civilian or traditional.
FINAL WARNING AND CLARITY
The Ashantihene cannot summon anyone outside Kumasi.
Even within Kumasi, appearance is not compulsory.
Any decision by a traditional authority can be challenged in a court of law.
Respect tradition, yes.
But do not threaten people with imaginary powers.
Education is not disrespect.
Truth is not rebellion.
Ignorance will no longer be entertained.
By Albert Tomi
