Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of Programmes in Peace Operations, Stabilisation and Peacebuilding at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has described the Inspector-General of Police’s directive for the immediate release of the Kwahu queen mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III as "a step in the right direction.”

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, Mustapha Abdallah stressed that chieftaincy remains a deeply revered institution and a crucial component of Ghana’s traditional governance system.

He noted that any action taken against traditional leaders, particularly queen mothers, must be approached with sensitivity to avoid escalating tensions.

“The IGP directing that the Queen Mother be released is in the right direction. When you go to the traditional level, queen mothers command a lot of respect. Any attempt to arrest her could further inflame tensions within the community,” he explained.

He added that releasing her, as ordered by the IGP, allows space for calm while proper investigations continue.

“It’s important that further investigations are carried out to understand the issues and address them in a manner that will not generate further violence,” he advised.

Background

The directive from the IGP follows widespread alarm after reports emerged that the queen mother of Kwahu, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, had been forcibly taken from her residence at Abene in a dawn operation.

According to the Paramount Chief of Kwahu, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, heavily armed police officers stormed the palace around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, firing shots “indiscriminately” before whisking the Queen Mother away.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police ordered her immediate release and tasked the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to conduct a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the controversial operation.

The Ghana Police Service added that any officers found culpable would face sanctions.