There is growing tension in Anum traditional Area in Eastern region following alleged leaked information that the office of Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has decided to discontinue court case involving over a stolen “Black Stool” by a military and police officers.
As a result, the Gyasewahene of Anum Traditional Area has formally petitioned the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, calling for urgent intervention in an ongoing criminal case before the Koforidua Circuit Court B amid growing tension in the community.
The petition, dated January 19, 2026 and signed by Nana Odame Osafo II, Gyasewahene of the Anum Traditional Area, relates to Suit No. ER/KF/CC/D1/41/2024 – The Republic v. Nana Owusu Ntow and Seven (7) Others, a case that has been pending for nearly two years.
According to the petitioners, the trial has progressed significantly, with the court having already ruled that a prima facie case exists. Proceedings are currently at the defence stage, with the accused persons calling their witnesses.
However, the Gyasewa Division, described as the victims and principal witnesses in the matter, expressed deep concern over public statements allegedly made by some of the accused persons, including Nana Owusu Ntow and Samuel Kwasi Annor.
The statements reportedly suggest that the accused have held meetings with the Attorney-General and the Deputy Attorney-General in Accra, and that an understanding has been reached for the discontinuance of the case at the next court sitting scheduled for 29th January 2026.
The petition notes that claims of an impending nolle prosequi have created anxiety, apprehension, and heightened tension within the Anum community, raising fears of a possible disturbance of peace.
“The mere circulation of such claims has the potential to undermine public confidence in the justice system and disturb the fragile peace within the Anum Traditional Area,” the petition stated.
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The traditional leaders emphasized that the Gyasewa Division and the Buruku Royal Family of Anum, Akroso, and Teacher Mante approached the courts in good faith, in pursuit of justice and peaceful dispute resolution.
They warned that any perceived extrajudicial influence or behind-the-scenes interference in an active criminal trial could have serious consequences for community stability.
They therefore urged the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure that any action taken in relation to the case is strictly guided by law, due process, and transparency, stressing that justice openly administered remains the surest path to sustainable peace.
The petition was copied to key state authorities, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior, the Eastern Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, the Inspector-General of Police, and the District Chief Executive of the Asuogyaman District Assembly.
The traditional leaders concluded by expressing confidence in the Attorney-General’s commitment to the rule of law and appealed for urgent attention to the matter in order to maintain peace and public trust in the justice system.
The case stems from an incident in 2023 when a military and a police officers, alongside five others allegedly broke into the Petitioner’s room stealing the Black Stool, other royal regalia, and two kente cloths valued at GHC 5,800.
The Nana Odame Osafo III, complainant in the case said he had been entrusted with the safekeeping of these items following his enstoolment as the Gyasewahene of Anum Traditional Area.
A witness who saw the theft in progress alerted the complainant, who then reported the crime to the police leading to the arrest of the accused persons – Nana Owusu Ntow, 50, a businessman; Samuel Kwasi Annor, 58, a driver; Ernest Yaw Acheampong Attuah, 47, a carpenter; Yaw Odame, 52, a farmer; Nana Okyoampem Adu III, 26, a police officer; Daniel Ayesu Kumi, 70, a businessman; and W.O.1 Michael Opare-Appiah, 48, a military officer.
They were put before the Koforidua Circuit Court “B” and charged with unlawful entry and stealing
At the first court hearing, only three of the accused, Samuel Kwasi Annor, Ernest Yaw Acheampong Attuah, and Yaw Odame, appeared.
The three present were granted bail of GHC 50,000 each with two sureties and required to present Ghana cards and sign a justification form.
Meanwhile on Monday August 12, Nana Owusu Ntow, appeared before the court with three others. He was also granted Ghc50, 000 bail with two sureties to sign justification form.
He was also to submit his passports to the court.
The Court also declined request by the defence council to refere the case to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for amicable settlement.
This was after Prosecution argued against the request that a second degree felony cannot be adjudicated by ADR.
The incident is related to a protracted chieftaincy dispute over selection of heir to the Anum paparamount tool following the death of Nana Appiah Kumi II which is before the National House of Chiefs.
The late Omanhene reigned for 46 years from 1970 -2016.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
