The Eastern Regional Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annoh-Dompreh, has issued a strong warning to chiefs and traditional leaders who defy decisions of security councils and court orders in chieftaincy disputes, stressing that such actions will no longer be tolerated.
The warning comes amid escalating chieftaincy related disputes across the Eastern region threatening peace and security.
Currently, there is rising tension between Akyem Abuakwa traditional Council and Odauman following decision to cut ties with Okyeman due to unresolved disagreement over enstoolement of Chief of Osenase.
The Akyem Abuakwa traditional council defied Municipal Security Council’s directives to attempt to enstool a chief for Osenase.
Again, at Adambrobe in Akuapem South,two factions defied MUSEC orders to install parallel chiefs escalating tension as armed thugs invaded the community.
11 suspects were arrested on Monday, May 4,2026 while 5 pump action guns and ammunitions retrieved.
At Akropong,one person was shot dead by police and weapons retrieved in a renewed chieftaincy violence.
Addressing a press conference, the Eastern Regional Security Laison Officer, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, described the chieftaincy institution as “sacrosanct” and deserving of the highest respect, but expressed concern that recent developments in the Eastern Region are threatening peace and security.
“Chieftaincy institution, as we all know, is a sacrosanct institution that needs to be respected… when a paramount chief is mentioned, we bow,” he said.
He noted that although chiefs are highly revered, they are not above the laws of Ghana, emphasizing that all paramount chiefs are equal under the Constitution.
“Per our constitution, every paramount chief is equal. There is no paramount chief who is bigger than any other,” he stated.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh raised alarm over increasing cases where chiefs ignore directives from District, Municipal and Regional Security Councils – DISEC, MUSEC and RESEC – as well as orders from courts.
“When DISEC takes a decision, chieftaincy institutions will not respect it. When MUSEC takes a decision, chiefs will not respect it… they go contrary to it and do whatever they want to do against the security of the region,” he lamented.
He further revealed that some chiefs have gone as far as defying restraining orders issued by courts of competent jurisdiction.
“A court gives a restraining order… yet they will defy it as if chiefs live above the laws of this country. Are chiefs bigger than the Constitution of Ghana?” he questioned.
According to him, such actions are not only undermining state authority but also placing a heavy financial burden on the state, as security agencies are forced to deploy large numbers of personnel to maintain order.
“We have to send about 200 to 300 police officers just for about 10 people to have a press conference… it is draining the coffers of the nation,” he disclosed.
He stressed that security agencies are not against legitimate traditional processes, provided they do not threaten public peace.
“If what you are doing is lawful and does not threaten security, we have no problem. But where it threatens the peace of the region, we will not allow it,” he warned.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh made it clear that authorities will now strictly enforce the law against any chief or individual who disregards security directives or court orders.
“We have been quiet for too long… this time we are going to bite. The law is the law, and when it catches up with you, no matter your position, we will come after you,” he cautioned.
He assured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and ensuring peace across the region.
“We will make sure we protect the citizens of this region for them to go about their economic activities free from any attack,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
