Akyem etwereso: Businessman and Odau Twafohene Baffour Osei Afrifa has been appointed the Regent of Akyem Chia in the Odau traditional area of the Eastern region. The Regent will assume traditional leadership of the Chia township, overseeing community development among other responsibilities.
According to Ghana Web, the appointment was announced during a meeting of the palanquin chiefs (Apakanfo) of Odau at Odau fie in Akyem Etwereso. The Akyem Chiahene, Barima Amankwaa Agyare, expressed gratitude to the Odauhene for his support and wise counsel before and after his enstoolment. He noted the necessity of finding someone capable of leading the town's administration during his extended travel abroad. Baffour Osei Afrifa, the Odau Twafohene, was chosen after a wide search.
Barima Agyare highlighted the significant role Baffour Osei Afrifa's family has played in the community, noting his late father's involvement in resolving the local chieftaincy dispute. He emphasized Afrifa's influential efforts in bringing an amicable end to the dispute and his ongoing contributions to Chia.
In endorsing Baffour Osei Afrifa's appointment, the Odauhene, Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, expressed confidence in Afrifa's capability. He charged Afrifa to work towards unifying the royal family and driving development for the people of Chia. Daasebre urged collaboration with Chiahemaa Boadiwaa, the Abusuapanin, and other elders to ensure a well-managed community.
Chiahemaa Obaapanin Boadiwaa pledged her support for Afrifa's regency, promising to foster the unity needed for the town's development. Baffour Osei Afrifa accepted the role with humility and gratitude, committing to elevate Chia alongside his elders and queen mother.
Following the announcement, a celebratory procession took place from Odau fie to Akyem Chia, where Barima Agyare and Ohemaa Boadiwaa formally presented Baffour Afrifa to the town. The presentation was overseen by the chief of Akyem Odumase, Barima Sonfo Korantwi Bekoe, representing the Odauhene, with other chiefs in attendance.
Akyem Chia is situated in the Akyemansa district of the Eastern Region and is one of the 12 Palanquin towns of the Odau Traditional Area, governed by the Odauhene. The Odauhene's authority extends over vast areas from the Ashanti Region to most parts of the Eastern region, including several historical towns and numerous settlements.