A month after the controversial dawn raid on the Kwahu Abene Palace, the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has publicly admitted authorizing the operation that led to the reported abduction of Nana Adwoa Gyamfuah III, the Queen Mother of Kwahu, and several palace guards.
The incident, which took place around 4:00 am, saw armed men dressed in police uniforms storm the palace and forcibly take the Queen Mother and others to the National Police Headquarters in Accra. The operation triggered widespread outrage across Kwahu and raised serious questions about due process, security protocol, and respect for traditional leadership.
Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, issued a directive for the immediate release of the Queen Mother, stressing that the operation was carried out without his knowledge or approval. Nana Adwoa Gyamfuah III was subsequently released without any statement taken from her, reinforcing concerns about the legality and intent behind the operation.
At a high-level meeting held today at the Koforidua Regional Coordinating Council, divisional, wing, and sub-chiefs of Kwahu formally presented their grievances to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Eastern Regional Minister.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey admitted she authorised the operation, but insisted that the Queen Mother was invited, not arrested. She apologised on behalf of the security officers for what she described as “overacting” in their attempt to maintain peace in Kwahu.
The minister’s admission stunned the chiefs present, many of whom expressed disappointment and concern over the handling of the matter. The traditional leaders emphasized that the operation was disrespectful to Kwahuman and undermined the sanctity of the traditional authority.
They have appealed to the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, to intervene immediately, ensure the matter is thoroughly resolved, and compel the Regional Minister to render a full and unqualified apology to:
• Nana Adwoa Gyamfuah III, Kwahuhemaa
• Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, Kwahumanhene
• The entire Kwahu Traditional Area
The controversy has heightened tensions in Kwahu, prompting calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for traditional governance. With the IGP already promising a full-scale investigation, stakeholders await further clarification on why armed officers were deployed without national command approval and under what legal authority the Regional Minister acted.
