… He Is To Add Three Big Adult Male Sheep, All Must Be Fully White, Plus One Carton of Schnapps Within 14 Days
A broadcast journalist in Cape Coast, Ato Trustworthy, has been fined an amount of GH¢30,000 for saying and publishing what has been described to be derogatory and offensive remarks about Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhen (Paramount Chief) of the Oguaa Traditional Area in Cape Coast.
Trustworthy has 14 days to meet the fine and accompanying requirements. He is reported to have made the said remarks during a live TikTok broadcast.
The penalty was announced at the Emintsimadze Palace in Cape Coast after the Oguaa Traditional Council had deliberated on the matter, considered an official apology from Ato Trustworthy and agreed on the fine.
Ato Trustworthy was present with his emissary during the hearing and when the fine was announced. He accepted the terms.
In addition to the amount of GH¢30,000, Ato Trustworthy has also been asked to add one carton of good schnapps. Additionally, he is to provide three white sheep which must all be fully grown males.
One of the sheep must be carried by Mr. Trustworthy in person in a public walk starting from the London Bridge; where the sacred crab statue stands, through Melcom, past the Cape Coast Castle, and ending at the Palace where Nananom will perform purification rituals as part of the reconciliation process.
Two of the sheep will be presented separately to the chiefs and the Asafo companies. The broadcaster has been given 14 days to fulfil all the requirements.
In addition to the fine and ritual, Mr. Trustworthy has been asked to make a public apology to the chiefs and the people of Cape Coast for tarnishing the image of the Oguaamanhen, the Council, and the Oguaa people.
The action forms part of the conditions under which the Council finally agreed to accept Mr. Trustworthy’s official apology.
An earlier attempt by Ato Trustworthy to render an apology was dismissed as being inadequate.
This time, Mr. Trustworthy appeared in person to offer the apology. His emissary to the Council meeting was led by Reverend Father Joojo Gyepi-Garbrah of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast – a highly respected clergyman and a former broadcaster.
During a meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025 the Council contemplated for about 45 minutes before Linguist Nana Benya announced that the apology would be accepted, but only if Mr. Trustworthy strictly followed traditional atonement rituals.
Speaking after the decision, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II explained the importance of respecting traditional authority, especially by public figures in the media who influence opinion.
“The Palace is a place of peace and reconciliation. We welcome Ato Trustworthy’s remorse, but tradition must be followed for peace to prevail,” the Omanhen said.
The broadcaster appeared visibly humble as he thanked the chiefs for granting him forgiveness and promised to meet all the conditions. Reverend Father Gyepi-Garbrah also expressed gratitude to the chiefs for their wisdom and willingness to allow reconciliation.
The matter began when Mr. Trustworthy made some remarks about the Omanhen during a TikTok live session related to an incident at the PANAFEST durbar. The comments drew public outrage and were described by the Council as “deeply disrespectful and misguided.”
The Council said the punishment is not just about discipline but about preserving cultural respect, unity, and the sanctity of traditional leadership.
By the end of the 14-day deadline, the broadcaster is expected to have completed all the rituals, made the payments, and restored peace between himself and the Oguaa Traditional Council.
