REGSEC pleads for calm in Kwahu, assures swift investigation

The Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has urged natives of Kwahu (Kwahuman) to exercise restraint, assuring swift investigation into escalated ongoing chieftaincy disputes.

The REGSEC, led by the Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, in a crunch meeting with the Kwahu Traditional Council (KTC) at the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) in Koforidua, expressed her deep concern about the situation in Kwahu, pleading with the chiefs to exercise a little more patience as she delves into concerns in the petition and engages the regional house of chiefs to fast-track the probe into the chieftaincy dispute.

The minister was aggrieved that with the Kwahu traditional area covering about one-third of the whole region and unarguably being the tourism hub, instability in that area would be a big blow to her leadership and the region as a whole, hence her commitment to seeing a peaceful resolution.

She acknowledged that sometimes when the police are sent to carry out an operation, out of stress and pressure, mistakes occur which end up affecting the community members.

She, however, pleaded with the chiefs not to retaliate with force but to allow the authorities to handle the issue.

The regional minister mentioned that on issues of chieftaincy, she seeks counsel from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and seeks guidance.

Notwithstanding, when the topic at hand involves conflict, the matter is referred to the police to handle.

“At the local government level, whenever we encounter a chieftaincy escalation, we contact the police for advice and when necessary, we send them to ensure peace and order. They, however, make mistakes sometimes because they are humans and in moments of stress might act differently,” she said.

Rita Awatey expressed that the queenmother of Kwahu should just have been invited for questioning and not handcuffed.

She therefore apologised to the KTC and reassured them of addressing the matter at hand.

The minister highlighted her communication with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to discuss the petition presented by KTC to the IGP a week ago.

She added that the IGP indicated sending the petition to her to handle as the head of the security council in the affected region, but she is yet to receive it. Assuring them of a swift response as soon as it is received.

“I know the people of Kwahu are highly aggrieved about current happenings and so is the REGSEC because Kwahu plays a critical role in the region and if there is no peace in Kwahu, then we also have no peace of mind at the regional capital.

“We also wish the regional house of chiefs will handle this matter swiftly and, when its beyond their level, refer it to the national house of chiefs for justice to prevail,” she added.

Leading the KTC delegation, the Kwahu Adontenghene and Chief of Abetifi, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, explained that the IGP, upon receiving the council’s petition, indicated that he did not order the dawn raid and urged them to also petition the Eastern Regional Security Council and RCC, as Kwahu is located in the Eastern Region, hence the reason for the visit.

“The IGP said, ‘You are located in the Eastern Region and under the authority of the regional minister in Koforidua, who is responsible for security in the region so try to engage her as well,’” he said.

He then narrated the background to the destoolment of Eugene Asante Boadi and the processing leading to the enstoolment of Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng, an indication that the kingmakers of Kwahu followed due process.

“We know the conflict existed before your appointment into office but the regional house of chiefs for six months now, is yet to address the issue. We plead with you to keep us informed about development related to Kwahu in the future before any raid and also engage the house of chiefs to call the parties for amicable redress for peace to prevail in Kwahu,” he said.

Other members of the REGSEC present at the meeting include the Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Owusu, represented by ACP Willams Boateng; Eastern Regional Security Coordinator, Annor Dompreh; and the RCC Director of Administration, Peter Asante.

The KTC were also represented by the Abene Krontihene & Head of Abene Council, Nana Simpe Owiredu III; the Kwahu Baamuhene, Nana Ntim Sampong II; and the Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III, among several others.

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