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A high-tension standoff unfolded today at Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast, as the Oguaa Traditional Council, led by Omanhen Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta II, firmly rejected a public apology from media personality Mr. Ato Trustworthy following his controversial commentary on social media platform TikTok.
The apology attempt came days after a viral video in which Mr. Trustworthy directly criticized Osabarimba Dr. Kwesi Atta II and his sub-chiefs for their handling of an incident during the opening procession of this year’s PANAFEST celebration. The Council, however, declared the apology “insufficient and insincere,” signaling its intention to pursue legal redress for defamation.
Background to the Dispute
According to Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, the incident at the center of the controversy stemmed from a prior arrangement between the PANAFEST Secretariat and the Central Regional House of Chiefs. The agreement stated that only three paramount chiefs—referred to as Omanhen—would be carried in palanquins during the official opening procession (excluding sub-chiefs) and that the event would start promptly at 9:00 a.m. due to the Vice President’s attendance.
By 11:00 a.m., only Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, his Queen Mother, and a few chiefs had arrived. The procession began from Zion School Park and reached London Bridge, where they encountered a pickup vehicle carrying Nana Kodwo Condua VI, Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area.
Despite being informed and invited to join the main procession, Nana Condua reportedly declined. Later, during the program at Victory Park, his entourage arrived independently and began discharging gunshots, alarming participants. The Oguaa Council, led by the Tufohen, requested that the Elmina chief disembark and walk into the durbar grounds as proceedings were already underway. The request was denied, prompting security to close all entrances. Nana Condua and his entourage eventually left for Elmina without participating in the official ceremony.
Ato Trustworthy’s Controversial Broadcast
Following the event, Mr. Ato Trustworthy, a well-known social commentator and media figure, took to TikTok to deliver a lengthy address criticizing the Oguaa Traditional Council, specifically naming Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II.
In his speech, which invoked the gods and ancestry of Cape Coast, Mr. Trustworthy accused the Omanhen of poor leadership and blamed him for “bringing shame” to PANAFEST. He called for introspection, alleged internal political motives at Emintsimadze Palace, and questioned why personal disagreements between leaders should impact unity between Cape Coast and Elmina.
Traditional Council Responds: No Forgiveness This Time
This morning, Mr. Trustworthy, accompanied by several media colleagues, visited Emintsimadze Palace to offer a public apology. However, the Omanhen and his council categorically refused to accept it.
In a statement read by the Tufohen, Nana Kwame Edu VI, the council said: “This is not the first time Mr. Ato Trustworthy has used his platform to defame our Omanhen and the sacred institution of chieftaincy. We have overlooked his actions before, but this time, the damage is severe, deliberate, and he must face the law. If he wants to speak, let him do so in court.”
The council emphasized that traditional authority is not a platform for political games or media sensationalism. They warned that continual disrespect towards the stool and its customs undermines the peace and dignity of Cape Coast.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Sources within the palace confirmed that the Traditional Council will file a defamation suit against Mr. Trustworthy in the coming days. Legal advisors to the palace say the action aims to set a precedent to deter future media attacks against traditional authority.
Meanwhile, Mr. Trustworthy has not publicly responded to the council’s rejection of his apology.
Public Sentiment and PANAFEST’s Image
The incident has stirred public debate across Cape Coast and the Central Region, with concerns raised about its impact on PANAFEST—a festival created to celebrate Pan-Africanism and unity. Cultural observers fear that the clash between the two traditional authorities may taint the festival’s legacy and drive a wedge between sister towns Cape Coast and Elmina.
By Frank Asorba Kofi Essuman
Coastal Television
