The Denkyira Traditional Council in the Central Region has taken an unprecedented traditional position against the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Denkyira West, Isaac Nsiah, and the Central North Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, demanding their immediate removal from office.
The Council performed traditional rites, including the pouring of libation and the slaughtering of a goat, as a symbolic expression of its decision not to recognise the two officials as legitimate representatives of government and security within the Denkyira Traditional Area.
The action was announced at a charged press conference held at the Denkyira Omanhene’s Palace at Dunkwa-On-Offin.
Addressing the media on behalf of the President of the Denkyira Traditional Council, the Denkyira Gyasehene, Barima Siaw Panin III, said the chiefs had become increasingly concerned about what they described as a persistent pattern of conduct by the two officials and some officers operating under the command of the Central North Police Commander.
According to him, the Council believes the conduct of the officials undermines the authority of the traditional institution and could threaten peace and stability within the Denkyira State.
“The Denkyira Traditional Council has performed the necessary customary rites, including pouring libation and slaughtering a goat to our gods, to formally signify that we do not recognise these two individuals as legitimate representatives of government and security in our traditional area,” Barima Siaw Panin III stated.
Barima Siaw Panin III said the Traditional Council had documented a number of incidents which, in its view, amounted to disrespect towards the Denkyirahene and the traditional institution.
He said the Council had exercised considerable restraint over the matter in the interest of maintaining peace, but could no longer remain silent over what it considers an erosion of the dignity and authority of the traditional leadership.
The Gyasehene disclosed that the Council was preparing formal petitions to the Central Regional Minister and other relevant authorities to seek redress.
He also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene and call political appointees and constituency executives in the Upper Denkyira West area to order.
“We urge His Excellency the President of the Republic and the leadership of the NDC to call their appointees and party executives to order. Their conduct is creating tension between traditional authorities and political actors,” he said.
The Denkyira Traditional Council reaffirmed its commitment to peace and constitutional order but cautioned that it would not accept what it described as deliberate attempts to undermine the dignity and statutory protections of the Denkyirahene and the Council.
“The Denkyira Traditional Council remains committed to peace and constitutional order. However, we will not tolerate the deliberate erosion of the dignity and statutory protections guaranteed to the Denkyirahene,” Barima Siaw Panin III stressed.
The Council further called on the Central Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to review its administrative procedures regarding engagements with traditional authorities.
It accused the security body of issuing late invitations to traditional leaders for important meetings and imposing what it described as selective security restrictions that interfere with traditional rights and customs.
“REGSEC must review its administrative protocols to cease late notice invitations and stop issuing selective security bans that compromise traditional rights,” the Council demanded.
The press conference was attended by chiefs and elders of the Denkyira Traditional Area, queen mothers and some youth, who expressed support for the pronouncements made by the Gyasehene.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain responses from Upper Denkyira West DCE Isaac Nsiah and Central North Police Commander DCOP Abraham Acquaye had been unsuccessful.
The allegations and concerns raised by the Traditional Council therefore remain subject to responses from the two officials and the relevant authorities.
Story By Kwame Kakraba
