• Asante Flag Dispute Escalates as Dormaahene Signals Parallel Authority in Dormaa
• Traditional Power Clash Brews as Dormaahene Challenges State Over Asantehene’s Flag Use
The escalating tension between the Dormaahene and the Asantehene has taken a dramatic turn, with the Dormaa traditional ruler issuing a strong warning to the government over what he describes as unchecked use of the Asante flag.
In a fiery address that has since stirred debate across traditional and political circles, the Dormaahene declared that he would begin collecting taxes in Dormaa independently if the government fails to intervene and stop the Asantehene from using the Asante flag in a manner he considers provocative.
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According to him, the continued display and assertion of the Asante identity in areas he believes fall outside Asante jurisdiction is unacceptable. He argued that if the state allows what he perceives as overreach without clarification or restraint, then he would equally assert his authority within his traditional area — including exercising fiscal control.
His comments reflect long-standing historical tensions between the Dormaa and Asante traditional authorities. The dispute is deeply rooted in pre-colonial territorial rivalries, questions of paramountcy, and symbolic authority — including the use of regalia and flags that signify sovereignty and influence.
The warning to begin tax collection carries significant constitutional implications. Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, the power to levy and collect taxes is vested in the central government and exercised through legally established institutions. Traditional authorities do not possess autonomous taxation powers outside legally recognized customary levies. Any unilateral move to impose taxes outside statutory frameworks could trigger legal and security concerns.
Political observers note that the statement places pressure on the central government to manage chieftaincy-related tensions carefully, especially given the sensitive historical context between the Bono and Asante areas. While symbolic disputes over flags and titles may appear ceremonial, they often carry deeper implications for territorial recognition and traditional hierarchy.
As of now, there has been no formal response from the government regarding the Dormaahene’s warning. However, analysts suggest that the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, along with the National House of Chiefs, may need to step in to prevent escalation.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between traditional authority and constitutional governance in Ghana — where cultural sovereignty must coexist with state law.
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