The Oguaa Traditional Council has slapped a hefty penalty on Ato Trustworthy, a presenter at Elmina-based Ahomka FM, for making disparaging remarks about Oguaamanhene, the Council, and its leadership.
Mr. Trustworthy has been ordered to pay GHC30,000, present three male white sheep and a carton of schnapps, and perform a public act of atonement by carrying one of the sheep around his neck from the Oguaa Akoto Monument near London Bridge, through Kingsway, to the Oguaamanhen’s house (Efiekesem), before ending at the Emintsimadze Palace for traditional rites to appease the gods.
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The broadcaster must also issue a formal, unconditional apology within 14 days to Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, the Traditional Council, and the people of Cape Coast for tarnishing their reputation.
On Monday, August 11, the Council softened its earlier stance after rejecting his initial apology, following persistent pleas from a delegation led by Rev. Father Joojo Gyepi-Garbrah of Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Cape Coast. Nana Benya, the Council’s linguist, announced the decision after 45 minutes of deliberations.
The controversy began about two weeks earlier when a viral TikTok video captured Mr. Trustworthy calling both the Omanhen of Edina, Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, and the Omanhen of Oguaa “two small boys.” His comments followed a protocol dispute at the PANAFEST 2025 durbar on July 26 at Victoria Park, Cape Coast.
According to reports, Asafo Companies in Oguaa denied entry to Nana Condua when he arrived after Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II contrary to tradition, which requires the host Omanhen to arrive last. Nana Condua reportedly refused to disembark from his palanquin and left the grounds.
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The Council described Mr. Trustworthy’s words as grossly disrespectful and noted that this was not his first offense, recalling a previous warning over similar conduct. They reiterated the need for journalists to uphold dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity when covering traditional events.
Visibly humbled, Mr. Trustworthy expressed gratitude for the chance to make amends and vowed to obey all directives. While Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II did not participate in the discussions, he later remarked:
“My palace is a place of peace and reconciliation. We welcome Ato Trustworthy’s remorse, but tradition must be followed for peace to prevail.”
On August 1, Tufohen of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, condemned the durbar protocol breach as “regrettable and avoidable,” stressing that PANAFEST is a sacred moment to honor ancestors and promote unity, with the host Omanhen’s arrival last being a symbolic tradition of his leadership.
