The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern caution to the Ghana Police Service regarding its involvement in chieftaincy disputes, warning that unnecessary interference undermines the neutrality of the institution. Speaking during a landmark courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the monarch highlighted concerns over police commanders allegedly issuing directives that restrict the movement of validly gazetted chiefs. He noted that such actions create institutional challenges and erode public confidence, asserting that the primary role of the police should be to protect legally recognized traditional leaders rather than taking sides in local succession matters.
The Asantehene emphasized that when police personnel involve themselves in traditional disputes, it often deepens existing tensions and complicates the work of the Service. He advocated for police officers to receive specialized training to better understand the customs and traditions of the communities they serve, suggesting that cultural awareness is a vital tool for effective conflict resolution. By prioritizing dialogue and mediation over confrontation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II argued that law enforcement could handle sensitive communal issues with greater intelligence and less friction.
Beyond his warnings, the Asantehene proposed a new era of institutionalized cooperation, urging the IGP to allow traditional authorities to serve as formal allies in community policing. He described the historic visit to the Police Headquarters as a step toward bridging the gap between state law enforcement and traditional leadership. By fostering a relationship where dialogue precedes deployment, the monarch believes the police can enhance national security and community trust, ensuring that the influence of chiefs is leveraged to support the maintenance of law and order across the country.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
