Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong III and Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II
Tension is at a boiling point in Kwahu following the chieftaincy dispute between the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II and his rival claimant Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, threatening the peace of the area.
The rancour may erupt into violence ahead of the much-anticipated Easter festivities.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has issued dire warnings, citing intelligence reports that indicate a potential breach of the peace.
In a motion filed at the District Court in Nkawkaw, the Republic, represented by the police, has urged the court to compel both parties and their followers to sign a bond to keep the peace.
The motion, filed pursuant to Section 22 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), states:
“That intelligence gathered indicates that the Respondents together with their supporters are likely to engage in conduct that may lead to the breach of the peace at Abene and its environs during the Easter Festivities.”
The affidavit in support, sworn by Deputy Commissioner of Police Isaac Kwadwo Asante, further states:
“That incidents involving the Respondents have shown tension regarding chieftaincy disputes, authority struggles, and leadership legitimacy leading to unlawful processions, confrontations, and threats of violence.”
The police have assessed that the Easter celebrations present a significant security threat, given the history of conflict between the two factions.
The affidavit continues: “Based on security assessments, the Easter Festivities present a high-risk period where conflicts between the factions of the Respondents could escalate into violence, riots, or other forms of public disorder.”
“That the traditional authority dispute between the first and second Respondents has previously led to near clashes, heightened security concerns, and threats to public peace.”
With thousands of visitors expected in Kwahu for the Easter celebrations, authorities believe the need for preventive measures is urgent.
“The Easter festivities in Kwahu attract large crowds of celebrants (foreigners and locals) and businesses, making it imperative for the Police to take proactive measures to prevent any breach of the peace.”
To mitigate the risk, the police have petitioned the court to issue an order compelling the disputing chiefs and their supporters to commit to maintaining peace.
“That it is in the interest of justice, public safety, and law enforcement that the Honourable Court orders the Respondents, their followers, and assigns to enter into a bond of good behaviour.”
The affidavit concludes with a formal plea: “That in the circumstance, I humbly pray the Honourable Court to order the Respondents herein and their followers to enter a bond to be of good behaviour at Kwahu Abene and its environs.”
Background
This latest legal intervention follows a long-standing chieftaincy dispute that intensified in October 2024 when some kingmakers allegedly destooled Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II.
However, the legitimacy of this act has been hotly contested in court.
The High Court in Koforidua, in February 2025, reaffirmed Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II as the legitimate Kwahumanhene and President of the Kwahu Traditional Council, dismissing claims of his destoolment as unlawful.
The court also issued an injunction preventing his rival, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, and his supporters from taking any steps to interfere with his authority.
Similarly, the Judicial Committee of the Eastern Region House of Chiefs granted an interim injunction barring any attempt to install a new Omanhene or recognize Baffour Akoto Osei as a chief. In its ruling, the Committee stated:
“The interim injunction is granted to prevent the kingmakers from taking any further action that may interfere with the duties of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II as the Omanhene of Kwahu.”
Despite these rulings, tensions remain high. Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II has publicly condemned what he describes as “brazen acts of lawlessness” by his opponents.
“Despite the provocations, I have exercised restraint and urged my supporters to refrain from retaliating amidst all the thuggery and brazen acts of lawlessness,” he asserted in a previous statement.
On the other hand, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and his faction insist they have a legitimate claim to the throne, further complicating the already volatile situation.
Already, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong III has taken over the Palace which is being occupied by Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II.
With the case set to be heard in April 2025 at the Nkawkaw District Court, many residents of Kwahu remain on edge.
However, as Easter approaches, residents and visitors alike are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
