The Mpraeso District Court, led by Her Lordship Adwoa Akyemaa Ofosu, has remanded 26 suspects into police custody in connection with the recent attempted destoolment and kidnapping of Kwahu Abetifihene, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III.

The suspects, one of whom is female, are to reappear before the court on November 14, 2024.

The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, November 7, began when a group of armed men, reportedly led by a woman named Obaapanyin Yaa Asantewaa, stormed the Abetifi Palace.

Yaa Asantewaa, claiming to be the Abrewatia (chief’s wife) of the Kwahu area, allegedly took the acting President of the Kwahu Traditional Area, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, by force as part of an attempt to destool him.

According to sources, Yaa Asantewaa’s group moved Agyemang III to a nearby older palace, where she purportedly performed traditional destoolment rites, including the ritual slaughter of a sheep.

This act was seen as a serious affront to the authority of the Kwahu Traditional Council and a direct challenge to Agyemang III’s position.

News of the attempted destoolment quickly spread throughout Kwahu Abetifi, prompting a group of local youth to mobilise in protest.

Armed with machetes, they confronted the group of armed men, resulting in a violent clash that left six individuals injured.

Following the altercation, police were alerted to the situation, leading to the subsequent arrest of the 26 suspects.