The Kwahu Traditional Council has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to launch a full-scale investigation into the dawn raid on the Abene Palace and the arrest of the Kwahuhene, Daasebere Akuamoah Boateng III, and the Queenmother of Kwahu, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III.
The incident, subsequently occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, and has since drawn strong condemnation from traditional authorities in the area.
At a press conference in Abetifi-Kwahu on Wednesday, November 19, the Twafohene of the Council and Chief of Kwahu Tafo, Nana Kwasi Opoku Mintah II, described the operation as troubling and unacceptable.
He criticised the conduct of police personnel, who reportedly carried out the raid at approximately 4am. He said the council viewed the development as a breach of respect for traditional authority and an unnecessary show of force.
Kwahu Adontenghene and Chief of Abetifi, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, also expressed concern at the humiliation and distress caused to Daasebere Akuamoah Boateng III during the operation.
He said it would be in the best interest of the officers involved to return to Kwahu and render an unqualified traditional apology to the chiefs. He emphasised that such an apology was necessary to restore dignity and maintain the long-standing relationship between the traditional authorities and state security agencies.
Following Monday’s arrests, the IGP ordered the immediate release of the Queenmother, Nana Adwoa Gyemfua, and directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to investigate the circumstances surrounding the operation. He also instructed that any officer found culpable be sanctioned in line with police disciplinary procedures.
Residents who witnessed the incident told local reporters that armed men dressed in police uniforms arrived at the palace claiming to be from National Security. Gunshots were reportedly heard within the palace compound before the Queenmother was arrested. The presence of the officers and the use of force have left many residents alarmed.
