Kwahu Chiefs Clash: Omanhene Restored by Court as Police Storm Palace at Dawn

A fierce, long-running chieftaincy dispute in the Kwahu Traditional Area reached a dramatic turning point this week as Daasebre Akuamoah Agyepong II, the reinstated Kwahumanhene, returned to the Abene Palace to resume his traditional duties—sparking jubilation, confusion, and heightened tension across the community.

His return, enforced by a decisive court order, has unfolded against a backdrop of dawn security operations, conflicting media narratives, and a forceful response from the Kwahu Traditional Council over claims of kidnapping involving the Paramount Queen Mother.

The current developments stem from a ruling delivered on June 24, 2025, by the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs in Suit No. JC/ERHC/P.4/2025.

The Committee granted an interlocutory injunction in favour of Daasebre Agyepong II, confirming him as:

• the legitimate and gazetted occupant of the Kwahu Paramount Stool
• the rightful custodian of authority at Abene Palace

The injunction also:

• restrained several kingmakers from interfering with his work
• barred the presentation of Baffour Akoto Osei as chief
• prohibited him from acting or presenting himself as Omanhene

The ruling reaffirmed the long-standing principle that no stool can have two chiefs simultaneously, insisting that any attempt to circumvent the process violates both customary practice and the Chieftaincy Act.

Following the court’s directive, Daasebre Agyepong II returned to the Abene Palace to assume control of the stool.

Supporters, many of whom believed his 2024 destoolment was irregular and orchestrated by rival factions, welcomed him with drumming, dancing, and chants of victory.

But even as residents celebrated, unfolding security developments quickly reshaped the narrative.

Initial reports indicated that armed men and uniformed personnel stormed the Abene Palace at dawn on Monday, allegedly firing warning shots and prompting residents to flee for safety.

According to the Akyeamhene, Nana Asiedu Kwabeng, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and the Paramount Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, were taken into custody during the operation. There were also claims that three National Security officers stationed at the palace had gone missing.

These dramatic accounts spread rapidly across social media, stoking fear and uncertainty.

In response, the Kwahu Traditional Council issued a strongly worded press statement, dismissing reports of abduction as false, misleading, and calculated to cause panic.

The Council clarified that:

• The Ghana Police Service acted strictly in line with the June 24 court order to maintain peace and protect the reinstated chief.
• The Queen Mother was not abducted, as she does not reside at the palace.
• All detainees, including the Queen Mother, were being held lawfully and safely at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

The Council further accused the Queen Mother of deploying “thugs” to forcibly seize the palace—actions it said were aimed at undermining the legitimate authority of Daasebre Agyepong II.

The Kwahu Paramount Stool has been embroiled in conflict since 2024 following a controversial attempt by some kingmakers to destool Daasebre Agyepong II. That move triggered parallel factions, clandestine meetings, and attempts to install Baffour Akoto Osei as a rival chief.

The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs’ June 2025 injunction temporarily settled the leadership question—but lingering grievances continued to simmer beneath the surface.

The events at Abene this week reflect the culmination of these unresolved tensions.

Police have since mounted a strong presence around the Abene Palace, enforcing the court’s directive and preventing clashes.

Many residents who fled during the dawn operation are gradually returning, though the atmosphere remains tense and uncertain.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the immediate release of the Queen Mother following the controversial operation. He has also directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a mandate to sanction any officer found culpable.

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