Youth group demands probe, suspension of Akuapem North MCE

The Okuapeman Youth Congress (OYC) has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, calling for the immediate removal of Akuapem North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Evans Kumadzie.

In a petition dated February 25, 2026, and signed by Convener Jeffery Awuku Sakyi on behalf of the Concerned Youth of Okuapeman Congress (CYO), the group accuses the MCE of misconduct, abuse of office, disregard for lawful authority, and actions they claim threaten peace and stability in the municipality.

“We respectfully petition for the immediate removal of the Municipal Chief Executive for Akuapem North on grounds of misconduct, abuse of office, and disregard for lawful authority,” the group stated.

Central to the petition is the MCE’s alleged involvement in ongoing chieftaincy disputes in Okuapeman. The group referenced events surrounding the inauguration of the new High Court/Circuit Court complex at Akropong-Akuapem, where an individual reportedly restrained by the courts from holding himself out as Okuapehene was initially invited to participate.

“Permitting an individual restrained by the courts to headline a court commissioning would undermine public confidence in the administration of justice,” the petition noted.

According to the petitioners, the Office of the Chief Justice intervened and directed that the individual’s name be removed from the commissioning programme and plaque.

The youth group argues that subsequent public appearances by the MCE with the same individual undermine judicial authority and inflame already sensitive traditional tensions.

“As head of the Municipal Security Committee, the MCE is expected to promote neutrality and uphold the rule of law, not deepen divisions,” the group asserted.

The petition cites previous rulings, including a High Court decision in Koforidua that imposed fines and sanctions related to contempt proceedings in the protracted Akuapem chieftaincy litigation. They contend that any perceived recognition of a disputed claimant risks eroding public confidence in the rule of law.

Beyond the chieftaincy dispute, the youth group alleges a breakdown of law and order in Akuapem North, citing increased land guard activities, escalating land disputes, and rising insecurity.

“The rise in land disputes, insecurity, and drug abuse poses a serious threat to peace and stability in Akuapem North,” the petition stated.

They also raised concerns about what they describe as a surge in drug abuse among the youth, involving substances such as cannabis, tramadol, and codeine-based mixtures. The group claims the Municipal Assembly has not mounted a sufficiently proactive response to the emerging public health and security threat.

Additionally, the petition accuses the MCE of nepotism, alleging that close associates and relatives have been appointed to key municipal positions, while qualified indigenes have been sidelined. The group further claims that some officers perceived to be unsympathetic to the MCE have been transferred.

The youth also allege that the MCE undertook foreign travel without the requisite approvals, contrary to a presidential directive aimed at curbing non-essential travel and promoting fiscal discipline. They argue that, if confirmed, such action would amount to insubordination.

“We call for an immediate investigation and suspension of the MCE in the interest of peace and public confidence,” the group demanded.

While describing themselves as law-abiding, the group issued a caution.

“While we remain law-abiding citizens, we reserve our constitutional right to embark on peaceful demonstrations if our concerns are not addressed.”

The petition has since been copied to relevant authorities as the youth await a response from government.