Kwahu Traditional Council petitions IGP, demands urgent investigation into police raid on Abene palace

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

The Kwahu Traditional Council (KTC) led by Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, have submitted a formal petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in Accra, demanding a full and transparent investigation into the unlawful undertaken by officers of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) during a dawn raid on the Kwahu traditional palace in Abene on Monday, 17th November 2025.

The chiefs stated that the actions, which included the use of gunfire, brutal force, and the arrest of the Kwahuhemaa and the sitting omanhene, have brought shame and disgrace to Kwahuman within institutions of chieftaincy.

The KTC also described the dawn raid on its paramountcy as a serious unlawful, uncustomary and illegal operation that needs to be addressed with urgency and perpetrators punished accordingly.

The petition outlines a sequence of events beginning with the destoolment of the previous occupant, Eugene Asante Boadi, in October 2024, leading to the lawful enstoolment of Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III as the omanhene of the Kwahu traditional area on 25th January 2025 after which he was entrusted with the keys and custody of the Abene Palace.

The petition highlighted that at approximately 4:00 am on 17th November 2025, the omanhene, who was in Accra, received a distress call informing him that a large contingent of police officers had raided the Palace.

The raid was characterised by gunfire, brute force, and the desecration of the palace. The queenmother (Kwahuhemaa), Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III, the omanhene’s traditional son, and several palace staff were reported arrested and transported to Accra.

The official palace vehicle was also allegedly impounded, with its number plates removed.

Upon arriving at the palace around 7:00 am, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III witnessed a scene of distress, including a handcuffed and assaulted staff member and a significant police presence.

As the lawful custodian of the palace, he inquired about the legal basis for the operation and the whereabouts of the arrested individuals.

His legitimate requests for a warrant or any authorising documents were met with silence from the officers present.

Aftermath of Arrest

At the police facility, an officer claimed the operation was to enforce a court order. However, when Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III requested a copy of this order, he was informed that the only copy was with the raiding team and that no copy was on file.

All detainees were released without charge around noon the same day, and no statements were taken.

Legal Context of Petition

The petition provides critical legal context, noting that an interlocutory injunction obtained by the former chief, Eugene Asante Boadi, from the Eastern Regional house of chiefs is currently under appeal.

This appeal, filed with the national house of chiefs, triggers an automatic stay of execution of that injunction order as per section 34 (1) of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), meaning the order was not legally enforceable at the time of the police raid.

Request Made in the Petition

The KTC is now demanding immediate answers and action. Its formal requests include the provision of a copy of the court order allegedly enforced, proof of its service, and all documentation authorising the police operation, including the names of the officers and court officials involved.

It also demanded detailed explanations for the extreme tactics used, including the deployment of over twenty armed officers from Accra, the rationale for a 3am raid, the use of live ammunition and brute force, and the assault and arrest of palace occupants.

Furthermore, the KTC highlighted an urgent humanitarian concern, noting that the Kwahuhemaa and palace staff are being denied access to their personal belongings, including vital medication.

Additionally, livestock and perishable foodstuffs within the palace require immediate attention but are being denied access.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III requested supervised access to the palace to retrieve belongings and prevent further loss and hardship.

The petition calls upon the IGP to initiate a swift and impartial investigation into the matter to restore public confidence in the rule of law and the sanctity of Ghana’s traditional institutions.

Signatories to the Petitioners

The petition was signed by eight core members of KTC including: Nana Simpe Owiredu Ill, Abene Krontihene & Head of Abene Council, Nana Ntim Sampong II, Kwahu Baamuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, Kwahuhene, and Nana Nyarko Bawuah, Acting Nifahene.

The others are, Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III, Kwahuhemaa, Nana Bonsu Ayiripe II, Kyidomhene, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, Adontenhene, and Nana Boamah Ayiripe III, Acting Benkumhene.

Copied In Petition

The petition to the IGP also copied the Chief of Staff to the President, Julius Debrah, the Presidential Advisor on National Security, Office of the President, Prosper Bani, the National Security Coordinator, Office of the President, COP Osman Abdul Razak.

Others include the Director of Operations at the Presidency, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye, the Chief Director, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy & Religious Affairs, Amin Abdul-Rahaman, and the Registrar, National House of Chiefs, Anthony Yeboah Tabiri.

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