The Nii Adjin-We Tetteh Family of Katamanso in the Greater Accra Region has issued a formal manifesto asserting its allodial ownership of Katamanso lands and rejecting the installation of Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo as chief.

In a statement dated January 28, 2026, and signed by Seth Otu Okley (Salami), who identifies himself as the substantive Head of Family, maintained that the recent installation was inconsistent with Ga customary succession principles.

According to the statement, Katamanso—formerly known as Ahiam—was settled more than 200 years ago by twin brothers, Akwetey and Akuetteh, from the Adjin-We lineage of Nungua.

While acknowledging shared ancestry with the Adjin-We of Nungua, the Katamanso branch insists it functions as an autonomous customary authority with exclusive decision-making powers over its internal affairs.

The family likened the relationship to that between a clan and a household, arguing that shared lineage does not confer external authority over family governance.

The manifesto emphasised that succession in Katamanso follows the Ga customary principle of generational seniority, under which senior relatives take precedence over younger descendants.

On that basis, the family maintains that Seth Otu Okley is the rightful Head of Family within the Afotey-Agbo lineage.

The statement also revisited events following the death of former chief and family head, Nii Laryea Akuetteh VIII.

It noted that his son, Abraham Otu Laryea, initially served as regent before ascending to the stool as chief.

According to the family, the succession was internally contested.

It further claimed that later efforts by Joshua Kwei—whom it describes as a legitimate Head of Family—to restore customary processes were frustrated, alleging that political influence played a role at the time.

These claims, however, form part of the family’s account of the longstanding dispute.

The family also expressed concern over what it described as the overlap between political office and chieftaincy, referencing the period when Afotey-Agbo served simultaneously as a Member of Parliament and a Regional Minister.

It argued that such dual roles are inconsistent with constitutional and customary expectations governing traditional authority.

The family further contended that the installation of Afotey-Agbo in June 2024 was carried out without clarity regarding the status of Nii Otu Akwetey IX, whom they claim had neither abdicated nor been formally declared deceased.

They maintained that proper customary procedures require confirmation from the Head of Family before the installation of a new chief.

The elders of the Katamanso Adjin-We Family stated that they will not recognise any new chief until the status of Nii Otu Akwetey IX is resolved through what they describe as legitimate customary processes.

They have called on the public, the Lands Commission, and the Ministry responsible for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to take note of their position and to direct any formal inquiries to the Office of the Head of Family.