Chief Priest Nii Ayitey Konko V Killed in Chieftaincy Dispute at Jamestown

The Chief Priest of Ngleshie Alata, Nii Ayitey Konko V, was tragically shot dead in Jamestown, Accra, amid an ongoing chieftaincy conflict.

The fatal shooting occurred last Friday around 7:30 p.m. when unidentified assailants attacked and killed the revered chief priest.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, the Dzaatsese of Ngleshie Alata, Nii Okojaman, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the murder of Nii Ayitey Konko V as a devastating blow to the community. He praised the late chief priest’s decade of dedicated service, marked by integrity and commitment.

Nii Okojaman revealed that the late priest had been the subject of growing threats and violence following the death of Oblempong Kojo Ababio V, the former chief. Despite multiple reports to the Ghana Police Service, no protective measures were implemented, leaving Nii Ayitey Konko vulnerable to his attackers.

“The threats against Nii Ayitey Konko intensified after Oblempong Kojo Ababio’s passing, with the opposing faction allegedly using thugs and land guards to harass him,” Nii Okojaman disclosed.

He added that the chief priest had officially requested police protection on August 29, 2024, submitting a formal report detailing the threats against his life. Unfortunately, no action was taken before his untimely death.

To address the escalating threats, a meeting was convened by the Regional Coordinating Council, led by the Regional Minister. During the meeting, the minister instructed the Regional Police Commander, Arhin, to act on Nii Ayitey Konko’s complaints, which outlined the threats to his life.

However, Nii Okojaman claimed that Commander Arhin failed to act and instead appeared to support the opposing faction, which had reportedly seized control of the Ngleshie Alata Palace.

On September 19, 2024, the late chief priest formally petitioned the Ghana Police Commander, citing the police’s lack of response to his earlier complaints. In his petition, Nii Ayitey Konko warned, “My life has been in danger… if I lose my life today, I have no one to blame but the Ghana Police,” underscoring the urgency of his situation. Unfortunately, this plea went unanswered.

Nii Okojaman called on the President of Ghana to intervene and ensure that those responsible for the murder are brought to justice. He also urged an investigation into Commander Arhin’s alleged inaction in the matter.

“We will not be intimidated by Commander Arhin or the oppressors who took Nii Ayitey Konko’s life,” Nii Okojaman asserted.