The Court of Appeal in Kumasi has upheld the High Court’s 2021 decision, affirming Boni King Tackie Adama Latse II’s rightful return to the National Register of Chiefs as Ga Mantse.
In a decisive 3-0 ruling, the court dismissed appeals from both the National House of Chiefs and Nii Tetteh Ashong V, who has been a prominent rival in this protracted dispute.
The court has instructed the National House of Chiefs to reinstate Nii Adama Latse II’s name in their official records within 14 days.
Additionally, the court has imposed legal costs: GH¢30,000 against the National House of Chiefs and GH¢20,000 against Nii Tetteh Ashong V, underscoring the importance of complying with the legal process.
This legal battle began in 2021, when Nii Latse II was removed from the National Register of Chiefs. Following this, he initiated a legal challenge that resulted in a favourable ruling from the High Court.
However, the National House of Chiefs did not recognise the ruling, leading to the current appeals, which have now been conclusively resolved.
Nii Adama Latse II’s counsel described this ruling as a long-awaited affirmation of justice.
“This judgment confirms his rightful inclusion in the National Register and upholds the rule of law,” the lawyer said.
This latest decision has been met with jubilation by supporters of Nii Latse II, who view it as a step toward resolving the leadership dispute and restoring unity within the Ga State.
However, the Office of the Ga Mantse, under the leadership of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has vehemently refuted claims that the ruling confers chieftaincy legitimacy on Nii Adama Latse II.
In a press statement issued on June 13, 2025, the Office of the Ga Mantse described the reports as “false, misleading, and legally unfounded”.
It emphasised that the judiciary does not have jurisdiction to determine matters affecting chieftaincy titles, which are the exclusive purview of the Judicial Committees of the Traditional Councils and the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs.
“The Court of Appeal did not and could not declare Nii Adama Latse II as Ga Mantse,” the statement read. “The court merely upheld an administrative order—specifically, an order of mandamus compelling the National House of Chiefs to follow due legal process in maintaining or removing names from the National Register”.
The statement clarified that the court’s ruling was procedural, not substantive. “This decision does not equate to a determination of chieftaincy legitimacy.
The substantive matter regarding who rightfully occupies the Ga Mantse Stool remains unresolved and is still pending before the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs,” it noted.
In that case, filed under Suit No. GARHC/P2/2019 was brought by Nii Adama Latse II against King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (Dr. Kelvin Tackie) and other respondents. The matter is currently under deliberation in Dodowa.
The Office reiterated that King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II remains the duly recognised and legitimate Ga Mantse until the Judicial Committee rules otherwise.
The statement further highlighted that King Teiko Tsuru II was not a party to the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on June 12, 2025.
The Office called on the media and the public to treat with caution the widespread interpretations of the ruling.
“We urge all well-meaning GaDangme citizens and residents of the Ga State to remain calm and not be swayed by misinformation,” the statement added.
