The Chief of Akwane Dobro in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region, Nana Eku Yaw II, has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to investigate what he describes as persistent harassment and unlawful arrests of chiefs and residents by police officers operating in the area.
According to him, the alleged actions of some police personnel have created fear among residents, strained relations between the security services and the traditional authority, and undermined peace in the community.
Speaking to journalists during the coronation of 17 sub-chiefs at Akwane Dobro, Nana Eku Yaw II described the alleged conduct of the police as “unacceptable” and said it had contributed to unnecessary institutional friction.
He alleged that police officers often enter the community to arrest individuals based solely on complaints lodged by certain persons without first conducting thorough investigations or consulting the appropriate local police command.
“The challenge we have has to do with the police and the kind of arrests they have been making in recent times. They arrest us based on mere complaints by some individuals, and without proper consultation or investigation, they come into the community and arrest people,” he stated.
According to him, officers from the Police Headquarters sometimes bypass the Nsawam Divisional Police Command before carrying out operations in the community, a situation he said creates panic among residents.
“Once a complaint is lodged at the Police Headquarters, they don’t even liaise with their colleagues in the Nsawam Division. They just come into the community to make arrests, causing fear and panic among community members,” he added.
Nana Eku Yaw II further expressed concern that traditional leaders are sometimes treated without the respect due to their office during such operations.
“It seems the work of the police now depends on who you know and the connections one has within the top hierarchy. They receive complaints, fail to investigate properly, and do not consider whether the person involved is a chief or traditional leader. They simply come to arrest and harass elderly people without respect or decorum,” he alleged.
He therefore appealed to the IGP to investigate the matter and ensure officers adhere to due process while respecting traditional institutions.
“I would like to appeal to the IGP to really look into this issue and ensure his men do the right thing,” he said.
The chief also claimed that individuals arrested are often compelled to spend substantial amounts of money before securing their release.
“Before you realise it, you have spent GH¢5,000 or more in trying to secure your release. This is not fair, and the IGP must act quickly. The money we spend resolving these issues could rather be used to develop the community,” he stressed.
Addressing concerns about security in Akwane Dobro, Nana Eku Yaw II dismissed claims that the community is plagued by tension or land guard activities.
He maintained that he is the recognised, legitimate and gazetted chief of Akwane Dobro and insisted that the area remains peaceful.
“There is absolute peace in Akwane Dobro. The issue we have is not insecurity within the community but rather the manner in which some police operations are conducted,” he stated.
Beyond security concerns, the chief used the occasion to appeal to the government and relevant state agencies to establish a Senior High School (SHS) in Akwane Dobro to improve access to secondary education.
He disclosed that the traditional council has already earmarked a large parcel of land for the proposed school and expressed readiness to support the project.
According to him, the absence of a second-cycle institution forces many students to travel long distances to attend school in neighbouring communities and parts of Greater Accra, placing financial and logistical burdens on parents.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Nana Owusu Anaakwa II, Osiahene of Awherease, said the installation of the new sub-chiefs marked a significant step towards restoring unity and accelerating development in Akwane Dobro.
He observed that prolonged chieftaincy disputes had negatively affected the community’s development but expressed optimism that the newly installed traditional leaders would work closely with Nana Eku Yaw II to move the area forward.
The colourful coronation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, political figures, opinion leaders and residents from across the municipality.
Seventeen sub-chiefs were installed during the event, reflecting what organisers described as an increasing involvement of young people and women in traditional governance.
Seven of the newly installed chiefs were women, while the majority were youth.
By 1960news.com
