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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned the Ghana Police Service against interfering in chieftaincy disputes where such involvement is not required, warning that it often worsens tensions and undermines institutional neutrality.
He made the remarks during a historic courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, where he addressed concerns about police conduct in traditional governance matters.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cited instances where police commanders have allegedly issued directives restricting the movement of chiefs who have been duly gazetted, describing such actions as inappropriate and beyond the mandate of the Police Service.
According to the Asantehene, the police are expected to protect legitimately nominated and enstooled chiefs, rather than impose restrictions that could inflame disputes.
“Some people get involved in chieftaincy matters when it is not necessary. I could not see how a chief could be gazetted and a police commander would issue an instruction to prevent him from moving. The police are supposed to protect such a chief against persons who have not been validly nominated or enstooled,” he stated.
He stressed that when the police take sides in chieftaincy disputes, it creates broader institutional challenges and erodes public trust in the Service.
“If you take sides, it creates problems for the whole institution and creates problems for the police,” he added.
The Asantehene’s visit to the Ghana Police Service headquarters brought together traditional leaders and senior police officials and was described as a landmark moment aimed at strengthening cooperation between traditional authorities and state security institutions.
