The Denkyira Traditional Council in the Central Region has declared the District Chief Executive for Upper Denkyira West, Isaac Nsiah and the Central North Police Commander, DCOP Abraham Acquaye unwanted in the Denkyira State.
The Council is demanding the immediate removal of the DCE from office. The position of the Denkyira Traditional Council was announced at a press conference at the Amponsemfie Palace at Dunkwa last week Friday.
The meeting was attended by chiefs and elders from the Denkyira Traditional Area, queen mothers and a section of the youth, who supported the position of the chiefs as announced by the the Gyasehene.
The Council has performed the required traditional rites, including the pouring of libation and the slaughtering of a goat to affirm its decision not to recognise the two officials as legitimate representatives of government and security within the Denkyira Traditional Area.
The Denkyira Gyasehene, Barima Siaw Panin III, who addressed the meeting said the chiefs had become increasingly concerned about what they perceived as a persistent pattern of conduct by the two officials and some officers operating under the command of the Central North Police Commander.
According to him, the Council believes the conduct of the officials undermines the authority of the traditional institution and could threaten peace and stability in the area.
Barima Siaw Panin III said the Traditional Council had documented a number of incidents, which it claims amount to disrespect towards the Denkyirahene and the traditional institution.
He said the Council had exercised considerable restraint over the matter in the interest of maintaining peace, but could no longer remain silent over what it considers an erosion of the dignity and authority of the traditional leadership.
The Gyasehene disclosed that the Council was preparing formal petitions to the Central Regional Minister and other relevant authorities to seek redress.
He also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene and call political appointees and constituency executives in the Upper Denkyira West area to order.
“We urge His Excellency the President of the Republic and the leadership of the NDC to call their appointees and party executives to order. Their conduct is creating tension between traditional authorities and political actors,” he said.
The Denkyira Traditional Council, however, reaffirmed its commitment to peace and constitutional order, but cautioned that it would not accept what it described as deliberate attempts to undermine the dignity and statutory protections of the Denkyirahene and the Council.
The Traditional Council further called on the Central Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to review its administrative procedures regarding engagements with traditional authorities.
It accused the security body of issuing late invitations to traditional leaders for important meetings and imposing what it described as selective security restrictions that interfere with traditional practices and customs.
“REGSEC must review its administrative protocols to cease late notice invitations and stop issuing selective security bans that compromise traditional rights,” the Council requested.
