The Oguaa Traditional Council, on Monday, imposed a fine of GH¢30,000, three male white sheep and a carton of schnapps on Ato Trustworthy, a radio presenter with Elmina-based Ahomka FM, for making a misguided statement against the Council.
According to the Council, Mr Trustworthy would have to carry a sheep around his neck from the Oguaa Akoto monument near London Bridge through Kingsway to the Oguaamanhen’s house (Efiekesem) and finally to Emintsimadze Palace, where traditional rites would be performed to appease the gods.
Additionally, Mr Trustworthy is expected to within 14 days, issue an unequivocal apology to the Council and the people of Cape Coast for bringing the name of the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Traditional Council and the entire people of Oguaa into disrepute.
On Monday, the Council rescinded its decision not to accept his apology following insistent pleas by Mr Trustworthy’s team, led by Rev Father Joojo Gyepi-Garbrah of the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Cape Coast.
Nana Benya, the Linguist, announced the Council’s decision after a 45 minutes deliberation amidst incessant pleas.
The Council, had rejected his apology about a fortnight ago when he appeared before them.
It would be recalled that Mr Trustworthy in a viral TikTok video, made disparaging comments, after an incident at the opening of PANAFEST 2025 celebration when the Asafo Companies in Oguaa reportedly denied Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area entry to the durbar grounds at the Victoria Park in Cape Coast.
According to a source, Osabarimba Kwesi Atra as the host, should be the last to arrive at the durbar grounds, however, Nana Condua came after him in a palanquin and was asked to disembark and walk to the grounds but he refused and went back.
Commenting on the issue in a video, Mr Trustworthy amidst other derogatory comments, referred to the Omanhen of Edina and Omanhen of Oguaa as “two small boys,” a remark seen as highly disrespectful by the Council and all well meaning people.
Mr Trustworthy had sometime back, made similar misguided utterances, about the Council but was cautioned and his apology was accepted.
The Council said it was very determined to stop such conducts moving forward, adding that Mr Trustworthy’s predicaments should serve as a powerful reminder to all media practitioners to exercise utmost respect and responsibility in their utterances, particularly when addressing revered traditional authorities and sacred cultural events.
“Let all journalists be guided by integrity, accuracy, and respect in their reporting to preserve the dignity of our traditions and communities,” the Council said.
Mr Trustworthy, visibly humbled, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make amends and pledged to fulfil the directives accordingly.
The Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area though did not sit in the deliberation, in a remark thereafter, emphasised the importance of upholding cultural values and respect for traditional authority, particularly from individuals in the media space who wield public influence.
“My palace is a place of peace and reconciliation. We welcome Ato Trustworthy’s remorse, but tradition must be followed for peace to prevail,” said Osabarimba.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, at a press conference, described the breach of protocol during the July 26 durbar as “regrettable and avoidable.”
He emphasised that PANAFEST was not merely a festival but a sacred occasion to honour their ancestors and promote unity.
Nana Edu explained that customary in Akan and coastal traditions demanded that the host Omanhen should be the last to arrive at a grand durbar, symbolising his role as Commander-in-Chief.
