The Paramount Chief of Talensi, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, has suffered a major legal defeat after the High Court in Bolgatanga dismissed a case he jointly filed with the Paramount Chief of Builsa, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, challenging the election of Chiana Pio, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, as President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, March 24, 2025, Justice Charles Gyamfi Danquah declared the case baseless, describing it as an abuse of the court process.
The dispute stemmed from the September 16, 2024, election in which members of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs re-elected the Chiana Pio as President, alongside the Paramount Chief of Mirigu, Naba Abisa Anonsona Anthony III, as Vice-President.
The Tongraan and the Sandem-Nab, however, argued that the election violated the “known and settled practice” of a rotational leadership system and sought to have the results annulled.
“In conclusion, I state that the plaintiffs have no cause of action against the defendants and the pleadings are accordingly struck out. The action constitutes an abuse of the process of the court. The suit is, therefore, dismissed,” Justice Danquah ruled.
Despite the strong ruling, the court declined to award costs against the plaintiffs, citing the need for reconciliation within the House of Chiefs.
Justice Danquah ruled that the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), and the Chieftaincy (Membership of Regional Houses of Chiefs) Instrument, 2020 (L.I. 2409), do not support the rotational system the plaintiffs were advocating.
He emphasized that the law mandates an open election, making the plaintiffs’ case legally untenable.
He also took notice of the fact that the Tongraan and the Sandem-Nab both participated in the election, voted, and only challenged the outcome after their preferred candidate lost.
“At what point in time did the plaintiffs form an opinion that the rotational system ought to have been used for the election, and would the plaintiffs have complained if the candidate they voted for had won the election?” the judge questioned.
Observers say this ruling represents a significant blow to the Tongraan’s legal battles, further cementing March as an unlucky month for him in the courtroom.
This latest defeat follows a high-profile incident in March 2023 when the Tongraan sent emissaries to invite a judge to a private meeting over ongoing cases.
That move backfired, leading to their arrest and sentencing for contempt.
With this fresh legal setback, analysts believe the court’s decision will reshape leadership dynamics in the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.
Meanwhile, the Chiana Pio’s legal victory reaffirms his legitimacy as President of the House, putting to rest months of leadership uncertainty.