The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that she ordered the arrest of the Kwahu Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III.
A statement issued by the Minister on 2nd December 2025 described the claim reported by Agoo 96.9 FM and reinforced by assertions made in an accompanying video by a chief identified as Nana Ntim Sarpong (Abene Bamuhene), as a misrepresentation of facts and an accusation “based on falsehood.”
According to the Minister, she met a delegation of Kwahu chiefs on Monday, 1st December 2025, at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council. The chiefs had visited to brief her on developments following the unfortunate arrest of the Queen Mother and to relay a referral from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for further engagement with her office on security matters within the region.
During the meeting, the chiefs, led by Kwahu-Abetifi Hene, informed her that they had already engaged the IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, who had apologized for the actions of police personnel reportedly involved in the arrest.
According to the chiefs, the IGP acknowledged that the officers were indeed in police uniforms and had subsequently directed an investigation into the incident.
Mrs. Adjei Awatey explained that she also apologized during the engagement not because she sanctioned the arrest, but because she holds overall responsibility as Regional Minister and Chairperson of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
“Never in my submissions did I categorically say that I ordered the arrest of the Obaahemaa,” she clarified, stressing that her acceptance of responsibility mirrored that of the IGP, and was based solely on her leadership role in the region.
She emphasised that taking responsibility for lapses does not equate to authorising them.
The Minister expressed concern that the twisted narrative threatens ongoing peace efforts but remained optimistic that with collaboration from all stakeholders, a lasting resolution would be achieved.
She reiterated that REGSEC remains neutral in all disputes and is committed solely to ensuring peace and security in the Eastern Region.
Mrs. Adjei Awatey urged the public to disregard the “unfortunate reportage” aimed at tarnishing her reputation and reaffirmed her commitment to her oath of office.
