The Aowin Traditional Area, once known for its cultural pride and community solidarity, is now embroiled in a crisis that raises troubling questions about the integrity of Ghana’s democratic and judicial institutions.
At the heart of the controversy is Mr. Thomas Antwi-Agyei, who has controversially assumed the title Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III. But more alarming than his claim to power are the mounting allegations of state complicity, judicial inaction, and political interference.
During a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on May 23, 2025, the Aowin
Traditional Council and the Concerned Citizens of Aowin led by Nana Kwame Nkansah, laid bare a long list of accusations against Mr. Antwi-Agyei.
These range from assault and murder to illegal mining and financial impropriety.
However, what has left many observers stunned is the state’s alleged failure to respond appropriately—despite overwhelming evidence.
One of the most shocking revelations involves a court-issued bench warrant for Mr. Antwi-Agyei’s arrest, issued after investigations into unauthorized financial transactions and vigilante violence.
According to the Council, the warrant was inexplicably reversed, allegedly under political pressure.
“This reversal defies logic and raises serious questions about the independence of our legal system,” the spokesperson for the Council stated.
Ghanaians are left wondering: Who has the power to reverse such a warrant? Why has no prosecution followed after four alleged murders, captured witness testimonies, and community outcry?
Legal analysts say this case is a litmus test for the country’s commitment to justice and iIf the Attorney General’s office cannot explain why prosecution has stalled, then we must question whether justice is being served to all or only to the privileged.
Further complicating matters are claims of high-level political involvement.
Mr. Antwi-Agyei was reportedly not shortlisted by the traditional kingmakers, yet still managed to get gazetted as Omanhene with forged documents, forms CD 1A and 1B, allegedly with the backing of Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II. This raises concerns about how easily formal institutions can be manipulated to legitimize contested authority.
The National House of Chiefs, the Judicial Service, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy have yet to issue public responses to the allegations.
In the meantime, local residents continue to live in fear, subjected to curfews enforced not by the police but by unauthorized vigilantes loyal to Mr. Antwi-Agyei.
The Aowin crisis is no longer a local chieftaincy dispute, it is a national test of Ghana’s constitutional safeguards.
As communities look to Accra for action, the silence from state institutions grows louder, and more damning.
