Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II defeats Dormaahene to retain National House of Chiefs presidency

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs, has been re-elected following an election held in Kumasi on Friday, 22 November.

Gyebi, who serves as the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, secured 42 votes to defeat his main challenger, Oseadeayo Agyemang Badu II, the Dormaahene, who garnered 30 votes.

One ballot was rejected during the voting process.

The Vice President of the House, Biupe-wura Abdulai Jinapor II polled 52 votes to beat his three contenders to the Vice President seat.

The election was delayed for hours as the house deliberated on a legal suit filed by the Sampa Chief, Nana Samgba Gyafla.

Earlier standoff

A standoff erupted as some members insisted that the House be formally constituted and its members sworn in before the election could proceed.

This came shortly after a Deputy Registrar communicated that two lawsuits had been filed restraining the House from holding the election

Secret Balloting 

After prolonged deliberations, the House decided to proceed with a secret ballot to determine whether the election should take place.

With 48 votes in favour and 24 against, the decision cleared the way for the election to proceed under the supervision of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Security was beefed up during the entire process.