A group of chiefs and queen mothers from the Kwahu Traditional Area on Monday petitioned the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), urging authorities to expedite the resolution of the protracted chieftaincy dispute that has heightened tensions in the area.
The delegation, led by Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III Chief of Abetifi and Adontehene of Kwahu appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs to fast-track its adjudication of the case, describing a quick settlement as crucial for restoring peace and safeguarding the area’s reputation.
The chiefs condemned what they termed an “armed police invasion” of the Abene Palace on November 17, alleging gunfire, assault, and the arrest of the Kwahuhemaa and others who were transported to Accra before later being released.
They renewed demands for an independent investigation into the incident and called for sanctions against officers found culpable.
They also requested immediate access to the palace—currently under police control—to enable them to take inventory of traditional regalia and property.
Eastern Regional Minister and REGSEC Chairperson, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, apologized for the manner in which the Queen Mother was handled during the operation.
She assured the delegation that REGSEC remains committed to maintaining stability in Kwahu, noting that the area’s tourism appeal depends heavily on peace.
She urged the chiefs to remain calm as the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs work toward a final determination of the matter.
The visit follows a similar petition presented to the Inspector General of Police in Accra last week.
Background to the Dispute
Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II (known privately as Eugene Kwasi Asante Boadi), a chartered accountant, was nominated, selected, and enstooled as Kwahuhene on June 5, 2017, after the death of Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II in 2014.
He was gazetted on September 28, 2017, and has since performed both customary and statutory functions.
However, some kingmakers later declared him destooled, accusing him of bringing disrepute to the stool following his resignation as Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank amid allegations of financial impropriety.
In January 2025, Baffuor Akoto Osei was purportedly enstooled as Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and, with the backing of heavily armed men, took control of the Abene Palace, warning Daasebre Agyepong II not to return.
Court Intervention and Enforcement
Several chiefs and elders, including Nana Kwaku Boateng, Etena/Bretuo Abusuapanyin, challenged the destoolment, arguing that the Chieftaincy Act (2008), Act 759, requires a lawful process that was not followed.
On May 5, 2025, Daasebre Agyepong II secured an interlocutory injunction from the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs restraining Baffuor Akoto Osei and six others from acting as or recognizing a rival chief.
On June 24, 2025, the Committee chaired by Okotwaasuo Kantamanto Oworae Agyekum III—ordered that the respondents stop interfering in Daasebre Agyepong’s authority as Kwahuhene and barred them from presenting or recognizing Baffuor Akoto Osei as chief.
The police operation on November 17 was carried out to enforce this ruling, enabling Daasebre Agyepong II to return to the palace. Calm has since been restored to the traditional area.
Appeal Filed
Despite the enforcement action, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III noted that an appeal has been filed at the National House of Chiefs, which he argues should effectively suspend the injunction granted by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
