In a show of solidarity, the people of Prampram came together in harmony to enstool a new Asafoatse. “No court, no soldier, no police, no troublemakers; this is mainly residents from the town and their visiting friends,” an old lady of about 5ft in her early 60s, bantam, cladded in red dress and scarf, beads on both wrists and wearing black sandals said in excitement as she stomped ahead of a procession to outdoor the now enstooled Asafoatse Djanban IV of Osheku Wem, Lakple, before the paramount chief, queen mothers and elders of the town. Her feet, decorated with dust from several hours of walking, did not show any sign of tiredness. She danced, clapped and pointed to the heavens.
“Today is a great day for the people of Prampram because we have an Asafoatse whose enstoolment has been sanctioned by the gods,” she said in Dangme.
Unlike other jurisdictions, where such events either end up in legal disputes or outright violence because of accusations of the wrong person being chosen for the role, this very one was without any blemish. There was no need for anyone to manipulate the process with either money, or use brute force to ascend the position. The position belongs to Asafoatse Djanban IV, and the elders kept the succession script as it has always been.
And the peaceful nature surrounding his enstoolment was reflected throughout the period which led to his final outdooring. There were no police or any other armed security officers, whose presence might have intimidated anyone – it was mainly enthusiastic residents who poured onto the streets in their numbers to express their joy for the peaceful nature of the process.
Known in private life as Daniel Kweinortey Mensah, Asafoatse Djanban IV is expected to bring his knowledge to help uplift the image of the town. Unlike centuries ago where they had to lead troops for war, the current role of the Asafoatse is to spearhead development within the community while preserving the customs and traditions of the area.
Dressed in a war regalia decorated with amulets, powdered face, leaves stuck between his lips, and another woven around his head, Asafoatse Djanban IV, swinging a black whip, was carried shoulder high, and taken to various homes where separate rites were performed to welcome him.
Asafoatse Djanban IV was later presented to the Paramount Chief of Prampram, the queen mother, elders and scores of residents for the oath of allegiance to be performed. Before Nene Tetteh Waka III, the Paramount Chief, pledged his unflinching loyalty to the stool, and accepted to face the consequences if he fails to respect his own oath.
“I, Asafoatse Djanban IV, Tsile Asafoatse, if you call me in the morning, afternoon and evening and I do not respond to you, I have broken the oath and will use my head as a sacrifice,” he said at three different times.
Nene Waka III, who praised Asafoatse Djanban IV for his humility, advised him to stay away from issues that are outside of his domain. He assured the new Asafoatse of his commitment to work with him for the progress of Prampram and its people.
On his part, Asafoatse Djanban IV reiterated his oath, and promised to commit himself to the development plans of the town and its people.
