Kwahu Traditional Council Petitions IGP Over Dawn Police Raid on Abene Palace
Reported By Azaglo Michael
The Kwahu Traditional Council (KTC), led by the Omanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, demanding a swift and transparent investigation into a controversial dawn raid carried out by officers of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) at the Abene Palace on Monday, 17th November 2025.
According to the KTC, the operation—marked by the use of gunfire, excessive force, and the arrest of the Kwahuhemaa and the sitting Omanhene—constitutes an unlawful, uncustomary, and illegal act that has brought shame upon Kwahuman and undermined the dignity of the chieftaincy institution.
Details of the Incident
The petition recounts the background of the chieftaincy events preceding the raid, including the destoolment of the former chief, Eugene Asante Boadi, in October 2024 and the subsequent lawful enstoolment of Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III on 25th January 2025. The new Omanhene was duly handed the keys and full custodianship of the Abene Palace.
On the dawn of 17th November 2025, at approximately 4:00 am, the Omanhene—who was in Accra at the time—received a distress call reporting that a heavily armed police contingent had stormed the palace. Witness accounts revealed gunshots, the assault of palace staff, and the arrest of Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III (Kwahuhemaa), the Omanhene’s traditional son, and several palace workers. The official palace vehicle was also impounded with its number plates removed.
Upon arriving around 7:00 am, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III described a chaotic scene, including a handcuffed, assaulted staff member and a large police presence. His request for a warrant or legal documentation authorizing the operation went unanswered.
In protest, he positioned himself on the exit road, insisting that he be arrested alongside his queenmother and staff if no explanation was provided. He was subsequently handcuffed and transported to the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in Accra without being informed of his offense.
Aftermath and Legal Concerns
At the police facility, an officer claimed the raid was to enforce a court order. However, when the Omanhene requested a copy, he was informed that the only copy was with the raiding officers and that no official record existed. All detainees were released without charge by noon, with no statements taken.
The KTC emphasized that the alleged injunction being enforced is currently under appeal at the National House of Chiefs, which automatically stays its execution under Section 34(1) of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759). Therefore, the council argued, the police had no legal basis to execute any such order.
Demands Presented to the IGP
🔴 The petition calls for urgent action and clarity from the IGP. Key demands include:
🔴 A certified copy of the alleged court order being enforced
🔴 Proof that the order was properly served
🔴 Full documentation authorizing the police operation
🔴 Names and identities of all officers and court officials involved
🔴 Justification for the raid’s timing, scale, and use of force
🔴 Explanation for the arrest, assault, and detention of palace occupants
🔴 Humanitarian access to personal belongings and vital medication for the Kwahuhemaa and staff
🔴 Immediate supervised access to palace premises to protect livestock and perishables
The KTC stressed that the incident has serious implications for the rule of law and the sanctity of traditional authority in Ghana, urging the police administration to conduct a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation.
Signatories to the Petition
The petition was endorsed by eight principal members of the Kwahu Traditional Council:
🔴 Nana Simpe Owiredu III — Abene Krontihene & Head of Abene Council
🔴 Nana Ntim Sampong II — Kwahu Baamuhene
🔴 Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III — Kwahuhene
🔴 Nana Nyarko Bawuah — Acting Nifahene
🔴 Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III — Kwahuhemaa
🔴 Nana Bonsu Ayiripe II — Kyidomhene
🔴 Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III — Adontenhene
🔴 Nana Boamah Ayiripe III — Acting Benkumhene
Copies of the Petition Sent To
The petition was also copied to several high-ranking government and national security officials, including:
🔴 Chief of Staff, Office of the President
🔴 Presidential Advisor on National Security
🔴 National Security Coordinator
🔴 Director of Operations at the Presidency
🔴 Chief Director, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy & Religious Affairs
🔴 Registrar, National House of Chiefs
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