Denkyira Traditional Council Demands Immediate Removal of Upper Denkyira West DCE, Police Commander

The Denkyira Traditional Council has called for the immediate removal of the Upper Denkyira West District Chief Executive (DCE), Isaac Nsiah, and the Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, accusing them of disrespecting and undermining the authority of the Denkyirahen, Odeefuo Boa Amponsah VI.

The Council also wants the Central Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to review its administrative protocols, particularly concerning what it described as late invitations and selective security restrictions that, in its view, undermine traditional authority and rights.

The demands were made at a press conference held at the Amponsem Ahenfie in Dunkwa-on-Offin, where the Gyasehen of the Denkyira Traditional Council, Berima Siaw Payin III, outlined the Council’s concerns over what it described as increasing interference by public officials in traditional affairs.

Council Cites Constitutional Protection

According to Berima Siaw Payin III, Article 270(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution protects the institution of chieftaincy by preventing Parliament and, by extension, public authorities from conferring or withdrawing recognition from a chief through legislation or administrative action.

He argued that public officials, including District Chief Executives and senior police officers, must respect the constitutional protections afforded the institution of chieftaincy and refrain from actions that could be interpreted as interfering in traditional matters.

The Gyasehen said the Council had observed what it described as several incidents involving public officials that allegedly contravene these constitutional protections.

He said such developments had created concerns about perceived bias, administrative overreach and selective enforcement in matters involving the Denkyira Traditional Council.

Akwesidae Dispute

Berima Siaw Payin III further referred to a recent Akwesidae celebration, explaining that the Overlord of Denkyira had summoned all sub-chiefs to the Amponsem Ahenfie in Dunkwa-on-Offin to observe the sixth Akwesidae of the year in accordance with customary law and practice.

He maintained that traditional rites and ceremonies fall within the authority of the Denkyirahene and the Denkyira Traditional Council, and that subordinate stools are expected to respect and comply with lawful traditional directives.

The Council alleged that the Dunkwa Odikro, Nana Obeng Nuakoh III, openly disobeyed directives issued by the Denkyirahen.

It further claimed that reports available to the Council indicated that the Odikro allegedly engaged vigilantes in an attempt to disrupt the Akwesidae celebration and ambush the Denkyirahen at the sacred Offin River.

These allegations have not been independently established, and the individuals accused were not quoted as responding to the claims in the Council’s statement.

Council Warns Against Interference

The Denkyira Traditional Council also invoked Article 240 of the Constitution, arguing that local government structures are established primarily to facilitate local development and governance and should not interfere in traditional stool affairs.

The Council expressed concern that the involvement of public officials in chieftaincy-related disputes could deepen tensions and undermine the established traditional governance structure.

DCE Accused of Taking Sides

The Council also accused Upper Denkyira West DCE Isaac Nsiah of abandoning political neutrality and allegedly taking sides in chieftaincy disputes involving Denkyira Nyinawusu, Denkyira Nkronua and Denkyira Besiase.

The Council argued that the conduct attributed to the DCE was inappropriate for a public official entrusted with maintaining peace, fairness and effective local administration.

It therefore called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately remove Isaac Nsiah from office as DCE for Upper Denkyira West.

The Traditional Council also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to transfer the Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, citing concerns over his alleged conduct and handling of traditional matters.

Call for Review of Security Protocols

Beyond the removal of the two officials, the Denkyira Traditional Council called on the Central Regional Security Council to review its administrative and security protocols.

In particular, the Council wants authorities to address what it described as the practice of issuing invitations at short notice and imposing selective security restrictions, which it believes could compromise the rights and authority of traditional institutions.

The Council stressed that traditional authorities and state institutions must work together to maintain peace and stability, while respecting the constitutional and customary roles assigned to each institution.

It called for greater consultation, fairness and mutual respect between traditional authorities, local government officials and the security agencies to prevent misunderstandings and avoid further tensions within the Denkyira Traditional Area.