Shama gets new Omanhene

Story by Yaaba Yamikeh, Shama (Western Region)

The Shama traditional area in the Western Region can now boast of a new paramount chief, 13 years after the death of Nana Kweku Binnah IV and misunderstanding among members of the royal family.

A renowned businessman has been enstooled as the new Omanhene of the traditional area with the stool name Osagyefo Kwaw Freiku IV.

The Number 1 & 4 Asafo Companies of Shama, which hold the authority to select Omanhene, appointed Osagyefo Kwaw Freiku IV.

He will therefore serve as the President of the Shama Traditional Council (STC). He has been gazetted and will later be officially invited by the Western Region House of Chiefs and sworn -in as a member of the House.

Official introduction

Osagyefo Kwaw Freiku IV was officially introduced to the Shama Traditional Council at a colourful ceremony on last Monday, April 14 2025.

Members of the Council including Nana Kwamina Wienu, the chief of Yabiw, who functioned as paramount chief of the traditional area for the past thirteen years and Nana Dekyi, the Nkosouhene (Development Chief), took turns to welcome the new Omanhene as their leader after expressing happiness at his installation.

They also applauded the kingmakers for making the right choice and expressed confidence in the new youthful Omanhene ability to help develop the traditional area.

“As sub – chiefs, we have no doubt in our minds that you will lead us to transform Shama into a modern traditional area and also recapture our dwindling glory”, they said.

Vision

In a short address, Osagyefo Kwaw Freiku IV assured the chiefs and people of his readiness to serve them, sharing his ambitious vision for Shama, the paramountcy, and its surrounding communities.

He stressed the urgent need for development of the traditional area which has stagnated due to chieftaincy disputes., saying: “As the new Omanhene, I am committed to transforming the ancient Shama, with focus on health infrastructure, education, and road development among others”, he reiterated.

Osagyefo Kwaw Freiku IV described his enstoolment as a new chapter for Shama traditional area’s development and urged the chiefs and people to bury their differences, unite and rally behind him to give the area a face-lift.