The High Court in Mankessim has ruled that Mr. Kojo Ankomah Dickson is not the legitimate Ebusuapanyin, or head, of the Paakesedo Nsona Royal Family of Mankessim.
Delivering judgment, His Lordship Justice Jonathan Avogo, PhD, upheld a writ of summons filed on March 5, 2026 by the leadership of the Paakesedo Nsona Royal Family challenging Mr. Dickson’s claim to the family headship.
The suit was filed by:
1. Nana Araba Otua II, Obaapanyin of the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family and Obaahemaa of the Mankessim Traditional Area
2. Nana Akyea Forson, Acting Ebusuapanyin of the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family
3. Amin Iddrisu, Principal Elder of the family
4. Efua Atta, Principal Elder and Obaapanyin of Kormantse
After hearing the case, the court granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and made the following declarations:
1. A declaration that Mr. Kojo Ankomah Dickson is not the legitimate Ebusuapanyin of the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family of Mankessim.
2. A declaration that all transactions undertaken by him after his removal as interim Ebusuapanyin are null and void.
3. A perpetual injunction restraining him from holding any self-ordination ceremony or presenting himself as the legitimate Ebusuapanyin.
4. A further injunction preventing him from parading himself as Ebusuapanyin or engaging in any transactions involving family lands.
Background to the Case
The central issue was whether Mr. Dickson had been lawfully nominated and appointed as head of the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family under customary law.
According to evidence presented, following the death of the substantive Ebusuapanyin, Kwame Egyir Baiden, Mr. Dickson was appointed only in an interim capacity to oversee family affairs pending the proper selection of a substantive head.
During cross-examination, Mr. Dickson admitted that some members of the family had opposed his nomination by Nana Araba Otua II, but he was maintained as interim head.
Justice Avogo held that the admission confirmed the plaintiffs’ case that Mr. Dickson had never been appointed as substantive Ebusuapanyin.
The court further ruled that any purported confirmation of Mr. Dickson as family head in July 2022 could not lawfully restore his status after his removal, unless a fresh nomination and appointment were conducted in accordance with customary law.
Court Relies on Customary Law Precedent
In its judgment, the court cited the landmark case _Lartey v. Mensah and Dedei & Others_ (1958) 3 W.A.L.R. 410, which established that the appointment of a family head must be made at a properly convened family meeting involving all principal elders entitled to participate.
The judgment reaffirmed that failure to notify all eligible elders renders any appointment invalid unless the absent elders subsequently ratify the decision.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the importance of due process and consensus in chieftaincy and family leadership matters in Fante tradition.
Family Calls for Calm
Following the judgment, the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family has called on its members and the general public to remain calm and respect the decision of the court.
In a statement, the family urged the public to disregard any claims portraying Mr. Kojo Ankomah Dickson as the legitimate Ebusuapanyin, insisting that such representations are contrary to the High Court’s ruling and could disturb the peace in Mankessim.
Observers note that the ruling brings clarity to the leadership structure of the Paakesedo Nsona Royal Family ahead of major traditional activities in the Mankessim Traditional Area.
Comments are closed.