The Denkyira Traditional Council has called for the immediate removal of the Upper Denkyira West District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Isaac Nsiah, and the reassignment of Central North Regional Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, over accusations of systematic harassment, political interference, and local chieftaincy meddling.
The council expressed deep frustration at a press briefing, accusing local authority figures of weaponizing security apparatus against traditional leadership. Representatives emphasized that while they respect the mandate of the Ghana Police Service under Article 200 of the 1992 Constitution, they will no longer tolerate targeted misconduct.
”Our concern is not with the Ghana Police Service as an institution… Our grievance lies in the manner in which this mandate is being exercised in matters involving the Denkyirahene specifically where chieftaincy, traditional customs, public order, and local disputes intersect,” the Council stated.
Tensions reached a breaking point during the sixth Akwasidae festival, where police officers allegedly prevented the Overlord of Denkyira (Denkyirahene) from reaching the sacred Offin River to perform customary rites, while providing security for a dissenting sub-chief, the Dunkwa Odikro Nana Obeng Nuakoh III.
The Council further condemned the treatment of the Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, who was targeted by law enforcement while receiving treatment in a medical facility.
”While admitted at a hospital receiving medical care, she received a phone call from the Regional Commander threatening that failure to make herself available for questioning would force him to present his own unilateral version of events to the Inspector-General of Police,” the Council disclosed, noting that “threatening a hospitalized traditional ruler fails to align with the professional standards of the Ghana Police Service.”
Additional friction arose on Friday, September 4, 2026, when more than 30 armed police officers were dispatched to serve a court order at the Denkyirahene’s palace regarding a traditional event that had already concluded days earlier. Traditional leaders described the heavy paramilitary presence as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and humiliate the community.
Citing Article 270 of the 1992 Constitution—which shields traditional stools from executive interference—the Council urged national leadership to intervene.
”Under Article 240 of the Constitution, Local Governance structures exist to facilitate civic development, not to meddle in traditional stool affairs,” the Council noted. “Party machinery holds no customary or constitutional authority to nominate, elect, or destool traditional leaders.”
To resolve the impasse, the Denkyira Traditional Council presented four primary demands:
Command Reassignment: The immediate transfer of DCOP Abraham Acquaye out of the Denkyiraman division.
Executive Dismissal: The removal of Hon. Isaac Nsiah from his position as Upper Denkyira West DCE.
Arson & Vigilantism Probe: An independent inquiry into acts of arson and vigilantism linked to former traditional figures in Nyinawusu.
Galamsey Investigation: Formal criminal proceedings regarding illegal mining along the Offin River and disruptions caused by armed factions.
The Council reiterated its commitment to peace and constitutional order, asserting that it will firmly defend the integrity of the Denkyira Stool. Local police authorities and the office of the DCE have not yet commented on the demands.
