The Oguaa Traditional Council has imposed a hefty sanction on Mr Ato Trustworthy, a radio presenter with Elmina-based Ahomka FM, following controversial comments he made about the Council. The punishment includes a fine of GHC30,000, three male white sheep, and a carton of schnapps.
Part of the sanction requires Mr Trustworthy to carry a sheep around his neck from the Oguaa Akoto monument near London Bridge, along Kingsway, to the Oguaamanhen’s residence (Efiekesem), and finally to Emintsimadze Palace, where traditional rituals will be conducted to appease the gods. Additionally, he is expected to issue a formal apology to the Council and the people of Cape Coast within 14 days for discrediting the Oguaamanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, and the wider Oguaa community.
The Council had initially rejected Mr Trustworthy’s apology made earlier, but after intervention by his team, led by a local cleric, the Council agreed to accept it following a 45-minute deliberation.
The controversy stems from a viral TikTok video in which Mr Trustworthy criticized an incident during the PANAFEST 2025 opening ceremony. At the event, the Asafo Companies allegedly denied Nana Kwodwo Condua VI, the Omanhen of the Edina Traditional Area, entry to the durbar grounds. Protocol dictated that the host Omanhen, Osabarimba Kwesi Atra, should be the last to arrive; however, Nana Condua arrived later in a palanquin, refused to disembark when requested, and returned.
In his video commentary, Mr Trustworthy referred to the two chiefs as “small boys,” a remark deemed disrespectful and offensive by the Council. This was not the first instance of similar statements from the broadcaster; he had previously made inappropriate comments but was then cautioned, and his apology had been accepted.
The Council emphasized that its actions are intended to prevent future breaches of protocol and serve as a reminder to all media personnel to exercise respect and responsibility when addressing revered traditional authorities and cultural events.
Following the decision, Mr Trustworthy expressed remorse and committed to fulfilling the directives imposed. The Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area did not participate in the deliberation but reaffirmed the importance of respecting cultural values, particularly from media figures who have public influence.
Prior to this, on August 1, 2025, the Tufohen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Edu VI, criticized the protocol breach during the July 26 durbar, highlighting that PANAFEST is a sacred occasion meant to honor ancestors and promote unity. He explained that in Akan and coastal traditions, the host Omanhen’s arrival last symbolizes his position as Commander-in-Chief and the need to uphold ceremonial decorum.
