By Special Report Team
A deepening chieftaincy dispute in Awutu Odupong Ofaakor has escalated into a major public safety and security concern, following allegations that a dismissed police officer has illegally arrogated traditional authority to himself and constructed a rival palace directly under high-voltage GRIDCO power transmission lines.
The suspect, identified as Michael Larbi, a former officer with the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service who was discharged for misconduct, now operates under the stool name “Nai Kwabena Atopi” (also referenced in court records as Nai Atopi Kwashie Abbey VII). Local traditional leaders accuse him of unlawfully claiming land custodianship and erecting his structure, dubbed “Atopi Hills Palace,” within a dangerous power line right-of-way in Kasoa Ofaakor.
Tensions reached a breaking point after allegations surfaced that Larbi has been using serving police contacts, including Officer Isaac Odei Asiedu of the Police Headquarters Homicide Unit, as well as officers within the Central Regional and Kasoa Divisional Commands, to harass, intimidate, and unlawfully arrest legitimate custodians of the Awutu Odupong Ofaakor traditional lands. Sources allege these actions are part of a coordinated campaign to extract classified customary information and suppress local opposition.
In a swift response to avoid communal violence, the Awutu Traditional Council issued a formal customary injunction banning all activities at the disputed site.
“The Council has observed with grave concern serious and ongoing disturbances, acts of lawlessness, breach of peace, and disregard for traditional authority… including the erection of a rival palace and performance of chiefly functions without authority,” stated Acting President of the Council, Nai Kwashie Ahene VI, in an official notice to the Central Regional Minister and Security Council. “To prevent further escalation, bloodshed, and to protect life and property, a complete ban is imposed on all chieftaincy-related activities.”
Following the traditional directive, the High Court of Justice sitting at Kasoa-Ofaakor intervened legally. On August 27, 2026, His Lordship Justice Alexander Oworae granted an interlocutory injunction against Larbi.
“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Defendant, Agents, Assigns, Representative and all those claiming through him be restrained from organizing, managing, promoting, holding or otherwise purporting to organize, hold or celebrate the 2026 Annual Awubia Festival at Awutu Odupong Ofaakor,” declared the court order signed by Court Registrar Doris Onomah.
Residents and traditional elders are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCO), and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to urgently intervene, demolish the illegal structure under the power lines, and investigate the police officers implicated in aiding Larbi’s operations.
