The chiefs and elders of Hwakpo have issued a strongly worded rebuttal to recent claims made by self-styled “chief” of the Adibiaweh clan in Ada, Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu.
In a statement released today, the legitimate leaders of Hwakpo categorically denied that the National Libation Day, a revered annual event celebrating GaDangme culture, was held on Hwakpo land.
The rebuttal follows a publication in sections of the media, in which Puplampu falsely claimed the event took place under his supposed authority.
The statement from the Hwakpo chief and elders describes Puplampu’s claims as an outright fabrication intended to bolster his fraudulent claim to chieftaincy. According to the rebuttal, the National Libation Day was neither hosted nor sanctioned by the elders of Hwakpo, who had no involvement in the event’s planning or execution.
“We categorically state that the National Libation Day was never held in Hwakpo. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fabrication by Mr. Puplampu to legitimize his fraudulent claim to chieftaincy,” the statement reads. “This incident is a clear act of deception orchestrated by Mr. Puplampu, who has continuously misrepresented himself as a chief without any legal or traditional backing.”
The recognized chief of Hwakpo, Nene Agbasi Dzikunu Ackwerh III, and the Head of Family, Numo Ernest Samuel Ackwerh who both sighed the statement emphasized that Puplampu has no legal standing or claim to any chieftaincy title in the Hwakpo traditional area. The rebuttal referenced the official Gazette of the Republic of Ghana, which identifies Nene Agbasi Dzikunu Ackwerh III as the sole legitimate chief of Hwakpo.
The Hwakpo chiefs further alleged that this is not the first time Puplampu has engaged in fraudulent behavior. They claim that Puplampu has been involved in multiple scandals, including an alleged theft incident, casting serious doubts on his character. The statement warned the public and the media to be wary of Puplampu’s falsehoods and advised them to scrutinize any claims he makes.
“The audacity of Mr. Puplampu to deceive the organizers of National Libation Day into relocating the event to Hwakpo without the knowledge or consent of the rightful authorities is deeply troubling. Such behavior not only disrespects our traditions but also threatens the unity and sanctity of our cultural practices,” the chiefs stated.
The chiefs also condemned Puplampu’s call for the government to declare a National Libation Holiday, suggesting that while the idea of such a holiday may be worthy of discussion, it should not be tied to his illegitimate chieftaincy. They emphasized that Mr. Puplampu’s involvement in the event was entirely self-serving and devoid of any traditional merit.
The National Libation Day is an annual event of significant spiritual and cultural importance for the GaDangme people. It brings together chiefs and traditional leaders from across the country to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the future. The chiefs expressed disappointment that such a sacred occasion could be exploited by Puplampu for personal gain.
In their statement, the Hwakpo leaders called on the organizers of National Libation Day to distance themselves from Puplampu’s deceitful actions and to uphold the integrity of the event. They also urged the government to investigate Puplampu’s attempt to hijack a national cultural celebration and to take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We call on the public to beware of this imposter and to recognize that any actions or statements made by Mr. Puplampu are entirely self-serving and without any traditional merit,” the statement continued.
The chiefs further urged the media to verify facts and exercise caution when reporting on matters involving chieftaincy to prevent giving platforms to impostors like Puplampu.
The chiefs and elders of Hwakpo reiterated their commitment to preserving the rich traditions of their land and ensuring that only legitimate and gazetted leaders are recognized. They vowed to protect the community’s cultural heritage from individuals like Puplampu, who they accuse of seeking to exploit the system for personal gain.
“We stand united against the lies and fraudulent claims of Isaac Adi Buertey Akpo Puplampu. The integrity of Hwakpo’s chieftaincy is intact and will remain so,” the statement concluded.
The chiefs extended their gratitude to traditional leaders and well-meaning individuals for their support and urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting the authenticity of the nation’s cultural heritage.