The Eastern Regional Police Command arrested ten individuals on Sunday, May 3, for alleged illegal possession of arms and ammunition, a development directly linked to an escalating chieftaincy dispute in Adambrobe, located in the Aburi area of the Eastern Region.
The operation, conducted by the Aburi District Command, aimed to de-escalate tensions surrounding the prolonged disagreement over traditional leadership in Adambrobe.
Context of the Dispute
Chieftaincy disputes are a recurring issue in many parts of Ghana, often stemming from complex customary laws, family lineage, and historical claims to traditional authority. These disputes can sometimes escalate beyond legal and customary arbitration, leading to localized violence or the threat of it.
The Adambrobe chieftaincy dispute has been a source of unrest in the community, prompting a strong response from law enforcement to prevent further deterioration of the peace.
Police Operation and Seizures
According to a police statement from the Eastern Regional Command’s Public Affairs Unit, the arrests occurred during a targeted operation. The suspects apprehended include individuals from various backgrounds, such as farmers, vulcanizers, taxi drivers, a businessman, and private security personnel.
Among the arrested are Dawu Joseph (farmer), Kwame Aboagye (vulcanizer), Samuel Obeng (taxi driver), Owusu Paul (member of the Adambrobe Asekyere family), and Jerry John Kwame Atilla (businessman).
The other individuals identified are Evans Dekadzor, Christian Atsu, Samuel Annan, Thomas Davidson, and Richard Agyeman, all reportedly private security personnel.
During the operation, law enforcement officers conducted searches that resulted in the significant seizure of illicit items. Recovered were five pump-action rifles, twenty-three live cartridges, one taser, six mobile phones, and a body armour.
Two vehicles were also impounded by the police. These include an unregistered Ford pickup and a Toyota Corolla with registration number GE 2560-19, which were reportedly used to transport the suspects.
Further Arrest and Police Assurance
The police command reported an additional arrest the following day, Monday, May 4. Douglas Amoako Danquah was apprehended after allegedly being sighted participating in a procession within the township.
Despite this subsequent arrest, the police maintained that the total number of individuals in custody in connection with the case remains ten. All suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and order in Adambrobe. They urged all parties involved in the chieftaincy dispute to exercise restraint and allow the legal and customary processes to resolve the matter.
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