The Eastern Regional Police Command has made significant strides in addressing tensions surrounding the ongoing Adambrobe chieftaincy dispute at Aburi. In a press release issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and signed by C/Inspector Bridget Opoku of the Public Affairs Unit, the police confirmed the arrest of eleven individuals connected to the conflict. The suspects were apprehended for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, a development that highlights the escalating nature of the dispute.
According to the statement, ten of the suspects were detained by the Aburi District Police on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during an operation in Adambrobe. The arrests yielded a cache of weapons and other items, including five pump-action rifles, 23 live cartridges, a taser, a piece of body armour, and six mobile phones. In addition, two vehicles believed to have been used for transporting the suspects were impounded. These vehicles include an unregistered Ford pickup and a Toyota Corolla with the registration number GE 2560-19.
The individuals arrested were identified as Dawu Joseph, a farmer; Kwame Aboagye, a vulcaniser; Samuel Obeng, a taxi driver from Adambrobe; and Owusu Paul, reportedly a member of the Adambrobe Asekyere family. Others include Jerry John Kwame Atilla, a businessman based in Sowutuom, as well as Evans Dekadzor, Christian Atsu, Samuel Annan, Thomas Davidson, and Richard Agyeman—all described as private security personnel. An eleventh suspect, Douglas Amoako Danquah, was arrested on Monday, May 4, 2026, after being spotted participating in a procession within the township.
The Eastern Regional Police Command confirmed that all eleven suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with ongoing investigations. The Command also called for calm among parties involved in the chieftaincy dispute and urged restraint as efforts continue to maintain peace and order in the area.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in Adambrobe following a court order issued by a Koforidua High Court on April 24, 2026. The court had restrained Mr. Danquah and four others from proceeding with planned installation ceremonies scheduled for April 27 and May 4. The injunction was granted after an application was filed by the Inspector-General of Police under the Public Order Act. Despite this legal directive, there were allegations that Mr. Danquah intended to defy the court's ruling and proceed with the installation process.
On May 2, 2026, elders of the Kwaakwa Asiampong Asakyire Family issued a public statement warning of potential unrest if Mr. Danquah went ahead with his plans. They expressed concerns over a possible breakdown of law and order in the community.
The arrests and subsequent confiscation of weapons serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of chieftaincy disputes in Ghana. Such conflicts often have deep historical and cultural roots but can escalate into serious threats to public safety if not addressed promptly and effectively.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Adambrobe and surrounding areas. As investigations continue, it is essential for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and lawful processes to resolve the dispute amicably.
The situation in Adambrobe underscores the importance of adherence to legal procedures and respect for court directives in resolving chieftaincy disputes. It is hoped that all parties involved will work collaboratively with authorities to restore calm and uphold the rule of law in this historic community.
For now, the spotlight remains on the ongoing investigations and the steps being taken by law enforcement agencies to prevent further escalation of tensions. The public is urged to support these efforts by providing any relevant information that could aid in maintaining peace and security in Adambrobe.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
