The Oguaa Traditional Council has imposed a fine of GHC30,000, three male white sheep, and a carton of schnapps on Ato Trustworthy, a presenter with Elmina-based Ahomka FM, after he made disparaging remarks about the Council and its leadership.
As part of the sanctions, the presenter is required to carry one of the sheep around his neck and walk from the Oguaa Akoto Monument near London Bridge, through Kingsway, to the Oguaamanhen’s house (Efiekesem), and finally to the Emintsimadze Palace. There, traditional rites will be performed to appease the gods for the offence.
In addition, he has been given 14 days to issue a public and unreserved apology to the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Traditional Council, and the people of Cape Coast for tarnishing their reputation.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, August 11, after the Council rescinded an earlier decision to reject his apology. This change came following persistent appeals from his delegation, led by Rev. Father Joojo Gyepi-Garbrah of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Cape Coast. The decision was announced by Nana Benya, the Linguist, after 45 minutes of deliberations.
The controversy began about two weeks earlier when a viral TikTok video showed Mr. Trustworthy making derogatory comments following a breach of protocol at the opening of PANAFEST 2025 on July 26. The incident unfolded during a durbar at Victoria Park, Cape Coast, when the Asafo Companies in Oguaa reportedly denied entry to Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, because he arrived after the host, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, in a palanquin — contrary to custom. When asked to disembark and walk, Nana Condua refused and left.
In his commentary, Mr. Trustworthy referred to both the Omanhen of Edina and the Omanhen of Oguaa as “two small boys” — remarks the Council deemed deeply disrespectful. The Council noted that this was not the first time he had made unguarded statements about traditional leaders, recalling that he had been cautioned over similar conduct in the past.
Emphasising the need to uphold cultural respect, the Council warned journalists to maintain integrity, accuracy, and decorum when reporting on traditional institutions.
“Let all journalists be guided by integrity, accuracy, and respect in their reporting, preserving the dignity of our traditions and communities,” the Council stated.
Mr. Trustworthy, visibly humbled, expressed gratitude for being allowed to make amends and promised to comply with all directives.
Although Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II did not take part in the deliberations, he later spoke on the importance of cultural preservation.
“My palace is a place of peace and reconciliation. We welcome Ato Trustworthy’s remorse, but tradition must be followed for peace to prevail,” he said.
The Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, also weighed in on August 1, describing the protocol breach at PANAFEST as “regrettable and avoidable.” He stressed that PANAFEST is not just a cultural celebration but a sacred occasion to honour ancestors and promote unity, adding that custom dictates the host Omanhen must always arrive last as a symbol of his role as commander-in-chief.
This latest development underscores the Council’s determination to enforce respect for traditional authority and uphold the sanctity of Ghana’s cultural heritage.
