Stop Beating War Drums In Kwahu –Chiefs Tell Journalists

Traditional leaders in Kwahu, Eastern Region, have issued a stern caution to individuals and media houses for deliberately using public platforms to sow discord and panic within the Kwahu enclave for personal and political interests.

At a news conference held at Kwahu Abene, the seat of the Kwahu Paramountcy on Monday, this week, the chiefs decried what they described as an “orchestrated media campaign” to destabilise the peace and security Kwahu has enjoyed for decades.

They expressed deep concern over recent misleading publications and sensational broadcast statements that, in their view, threaten the fabric of the community.

We will not allow Kwahu to burn –Chiefs Declare

The Krontihene of Kwahu Abene, Nana Simpe Weredu did not mince words as he condemned what he described as “irresponsible journalism” that has escalated fears among both residents and visitors, particularly following recent chieftaincy-related headlines.

“The media has a sacred duty to inform, not inflame. Some of these stories circulating are simply dangerous and misleading,” he stated.

He cited an alleged statement made by TV broadcaster, Captain Smart during the 2025 Easter celebrations on the Onua Maakye show, where the host alleged rampant violence in Kwahu, claiming people were being “butchered with machetes and dolma machines.”

The chiefs asserted that this false alarm caused widespread fear, resulting in reduced tourist attendance during the festive season and casting a shadow over the area’s reputation for peace and hospitality.

Disputed Headlines Spark Tension

The press conference was triggered by a series of recent media publications that, according to the chiefs, have falsely portrayed the security situation in Kwahu as volatile and dangerous.

On Thursday, July 10, 2025 The New Republic newspaper published a front-page story titled:
“Kwahu Chieftaincy Tussle: Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II Reaffirmed as Kwahumanhene – 24-Hour Security Requested as Tension Mounts in Kwahu.”

This was followed the next day by The Daily Graphic, Ghana’s flagship state-owned newspaper, with the headline, “Dispute Over Chieftaincy Stool: Tight Security in Kwahu.”

These headlines, the chiefs contended, paint a false picture of unrest and imminent danger—something they flatly deny.

“We want to state categorically that there is no war in Kwahu. These publications are not only misleading, but also threaten the stability we’ve built over the years,” Nana SimpeWeredu emphasized.

Security Concerns at the Palace

Nana AsieduKwabeng IV, Akyeamehene of Kwahu Abene, also addressed the gathering, stating that despite the media’s claims of “tight security,” the reality on the ground paints a different picture.

“For the past seven months, not even one police officer has visited the Kwahu Abene Palace to provide security. How can there be tight security when none exists?” he questioned, urging journalists to verify facts before publishing.

He called on the media to deliver eyewitness accounts and stop relying on politically motivated narratives or unverified sources since that is the only way the public can be properly informed and national cohesion preserved.

Call for Responsible Journalism

The chiefs reiterated that they are not against media scrutiny, but are calling for professionalism, accuracy, and responsibility, adding that any unchecked inflammatory commentary, especially on matters as sensitive as chieftaincy and local governance, could lead to chaos.

“Let us not forget that history tells us how wars have erupted simply because of reckless words spoken on radio. Let us not allow Kwahu to be a statistic,” Nana Simpe Wiredu cautioned.

Other chiefs present at the press conference echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing the need for peace and urging both residents and outsiders to disregard false reports of chaos in Kwahu.

The Way Forward

The Kwahu Traditional Council is appealing to the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to urgently investigate the recent publications and hold culpable individuals accountable.

In the meantime, the chiefs assure Ghanaians and tourists that Kwahu remains peaceful, welcoming, and ready to host visitors for future events—including the widely celebrated Easter festivities.

“Let those beating war drums beat a retreat. Kwahu is not at war. We are united, focused, and resolved to preserve our heritage and peace,” they declared.

The post Stop Beating War Drums In Kwahu –Chiefs Tell Journalists appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story