The Denkyira Traditional Council has issued a powerful and unprecedented call for the immediate removal of the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Upper Denkyira West, Hon. Isaac Nsiah, and the reassignment of the Central North Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye, accusing them of gross bias, disrespect, and constitutional overreach against the Denkyirahene, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV.
Addressing a packed press conference made up of over 300 Chiefs and traditional leaders at the Amponsem Ahenfie in Dunkwa-on-Offin on Friday, Barima Siaw Panin II, the Denkyira Gyasehene and Denkyira Nyameani Hene, who spoke on behalf of the Denkyirahene, Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV. detailed a litany of grievances that he said amounted to a deliberate erosion of the dignity and authority of the Denkyira Stool.
“The Denkyira Traditional Council is deeply concerned about a disturbing pattern of conduct exhibited by the DCE… and the Central North Regional Police Commander… Our grievance lies in the manner in which this mandate is being exercised in matters involving the Denkyirahene,” Barima Siaw Panin II stated.
The Council cited Article 270(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the institution of chieftaincy, and Section 63 of the Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), which criminalizes unauthorized chieftaincy activities, arguing that public officers were acting in direct contravention of these laws.
A Catalogue of Grievances
The Gyasehene laid out a series of incidents to substantiate the Council’s claims. He accused the Dunkwa Odikro, Nana Obeng Nuakoh III, of openly disobeying the Denkyirahene’s directives by engaging vigilantes to disrupt the sacred Akwasidae celebration and ambush the Denkyirahene at the Offin River, where he was to perform customary rites. He alleged that the police, under DCOP Acquaye, prevented the Denkyirahene from accessing the river while providing security for the non-compliant Odikro.
“The police provided armed protection for Dunkwa Odikro… at the river, but blocked the Denkyirahene and his Abrempong from reaching the exact same location under the pretext of a REGSEC directive. Executive directives cannot be selectively weaponized against the Denkyirahene Stool,” he fumed.
The Council also raised concerns over the “improper treatment” of the Denkyirahemaa, Nana Ama Ayensua Saara III, who was allegedly threatened with a unilateral police report by DCOP Acquaye while she was hospitalized. They also called for a thorough investigation into an arson attack at Denkyira Nyinawusu on August 30, 2026, allegedly linked to a destooled chief, Baafour Awuah II, and accused the police of protecting an unauthorized faction in a chieftaincy dispute at Mfuom.
Furthermore, the Council condemned the DCE, Hon. Isaac Nsiah, for abandoning political neutrality and meddling in chieftaincy affairs, stating that they would “no longer recognize or engage with Mr. Isaac Nsiah as DCE of Upper Denkyira West.”
Ultimatum to the President
In a direct appeal to the President, the Council urged him to call his political appointees to order, reminding them that “party machinery holds no customary or constitutional authority to nominate, elect, or install traditional leaders.”
The Council presented five key demands:
- Reassignment of Police Command: The immediate reassignment of DCOP Abraham Acquaye from the policing division covering Denkyiraman.
- Removal of the DCE: The removal of Hon. Isaac Nsiah from office as DCE of Upper Denkyira West.
- Criminal Investigation: A neutral investigation into the arson and vigilantism at Nyinawusu.
- Investigation into Illegal Mining and Vigilantism: A criminal inquiry into allegations of illegal mining and the deployment of armed vigilantes by the Dunkwa Odikro.
- Review of REGSEC Protocols: A review of administrative protocols to stop selective security bans that compromise traditional rights.
The press conference ended with the Council reaffirming its commitment to peace and constitutional order but warning that it would not tolerate the continued undermining of the Denkyirahene’s authority.
“Long live His Majesty Odeefuo Boa Amponsem IV, Denkyirahene! Long live the Denkyira Traditional Council! Long live Ghana!” Barima Siaw Panin II declared to a resounding applause from the gathered chiefs and citizens.
