For the first time in the history of the Duakwa Traditional Area, a woman has been installed as the Chief of the town of Agona Duotu – Nana Kofi Asorpea IV.
On December 30, 2025, Nana Kofi Asorpea IV was publicly crowned as the Chief of Agona Duotu. The coronation was heavily attended by both the young and old of the town, who gathered to witness the historic installation.
Nana Kofi Asorpea IV swore the oath of allegiance to Nana Kojo Amuakwa V, the Agona Duakwahene and Krontihene of the Nyakrom Traditional Area.
While Nana Kojo Amuakwa V shared seasonal greetings with his people and congratulated the newly installed Chief, he was quick to remind everyone of the enormous responsibility that accompanies the position.
“For Agona Nyakrom Traditional Area, this is the first time you have a woman as a Chief. Maybe it has happened before, that was before I was born. But for my time, this is the first of its kind – it is historical.”
Addressing the circumstances of the transition, Nana Kojo Amuakwa V stated:
“People of Duotu, I wouldn’t want to go into what happened to the previous Chief but you are all aware of what happened. But I want to stress on the fact that Kingship and Chieftaincy were established by God in the Bible – it is evident in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings.”
He further admonished leaders regarding their conduct:
“God assigned us to serve as leaders of our people, bring development, and secure the peace and security of our people. So for those who are privileged to serve; do not destroy it for personal interests.
“Any Chief who wants to use the Chieftaincy for corrupt and unethical benefits will face the law of our land and I will see to it that the laws are applied.”
He concluded his address by rallying support for the new leader:
“Now I am calling on all the Queen Mothers to support the Chief, Nana Asorpea IV. Support her with your experience and knowledge.”
Nana Kojo Amuakwa V urged the Chief to be mindful of the added responsibility bestowed upon her. He advised Nana Asorpea IV to remain impartial when adjudicating issues, adding:
“It is for a reason that God created man with two ears and a mouth; listen to both sides of every case and apply wisdom and understanding.”
He pledged his support for the people of Duotu and made it clear to Nana Asorpea IV that her responsibility today is not about going to war as in the olden days; today, Chieftaincy is about development.
Biography of Nana Asorpea IV
Nana Asorpea IV was born on December 12, 1969; her name at birth was Afua Donkor. She served as a Queen Mother for years until September 5, 2025, when her predecessor was destooled.
Her stool name as Queen Mother was Nana Yemuaba II. Her predecessor was Kwame Afful, known by the stool name Nana Asorpea III. He was destooled for sexual misconduct.
History of Duotu
The town of Duotu predates current-day Ghana. During the Gold Coast era, legend has it that a man named Papa Asorpea, who hailed from the village of Aboanu in the Gomoa area, was looking for a place to settle and farm when he discovered the Agona Area.
One day, during his search for a location, it became too late for him to return home. Tired, he was forced to sleep under a large tree which had a hollow trunk or base shaped like a canopy.
The next morning, he continued his journey, but this time he sought out the custodian of the land where he had spent the night to express his interest.
Papa Asorpea discovered that the land belonged to Nana Mbroh I of Agona Duakwa. With a strong desire to inhabit the land, Papa Asorpea took the necessary steps and was granted the land to cultivate. He stayed there for years, eventually being joined by relatives from Gomoa Gyaman who were also given parcels of land to cultivate.
Papa Asorpea and the people living on the land decided to establish their own town with the help of the Chief at the time. Nana Kojo Amuakwa I willingly agreed to the proposal and granted them large parcels of land to develop.
To find a befitting name for the town, they drew inspiration from Papa Asorpea’s experience sleeping under the hollow tree trunk. They named the town ‘Duotu’, which means ‘the base/root of the tree’ in Akan.
Although the settlers from Gomoa Gyaman came with their own titles and positions, the community decided to set up a new form of leadership. This is the origin of the title ‘Nana Asorpea,’ honoring Papa Asorpea as the founder of the town.
Note: This story was delivered in Twi at the coronation of Nana Asorpea IV. There may be slight variations due to the translation process. You can see video below.
