The Osu Kinkawe Dzaase has refuted claims by Bernard Botchway, also known as Nortse Nii Nortey Owuo IV, that he is the Osu Mantse, describing them as false and misleading.

The kingmakers have cautioned government officials, public officers, diplomats, organizations, and the general public against engaging with Mr. Botchway in any capacity as Osu Mantse, as he has not been installed by the legitimate traditional authority.

In a statement issued on February 15, 2025, and signed by Nii Saban Atsen VII , the Dzaase of Kinkawe emphasized that the only legally recognized process for enstooling an Osu Mantse rests solely with them, and Mr. Botchway’s claim lacks legitimacy.

He also revealed that he is the subject of an ongoing legal suit at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, where a restraining order has been placed on all claimants to the Osu Stool, including Mr. Botchway.

The Dzaase noted that they have duly installed Osu Mantse, Teteete Nii Nortey Owuo IV (born Nicholas Nii Nortey Owuo), a Civil Engineer with the Ghana Highway Authority, has complied with the court’s order by restraining himself from acting as chief.

However, they accused Bernard Botchway of defying the order and continuing to parade himself as Osu Mantse, allegedly emboldened by political connections from the previous NPP government.

The statement further indicated that Mr. Botchway’s continuous disregard for the restraining order has led to contempt proceedings against him at the High Court in Accra.

The Dzaase expressed concern over his alleged manipulation of legal and political systems to maintain his claim to the stool, despite the court’s ruling.

The Osu Kinkawe Dzaase reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the traditions and legal processes governing chieftaincy matters and urged all parties to respect the rule of law in the ongoing dispute over the Osu Stool.