The Mpraeso Circuit Court has refused to grant bail to 28 suspects accused of abducting the Chief of Abetifi, Akyemfuor Asiedu Agyemang III, who also serves as the Acting President of the Kwahu Traditional Council.

The court presided over by Her Honour Adwoa Akyemaa Ofosu, adjourned the case to November 27, 2024.

Despite efforts by their lawyer, Nkrabea Effah Dartey, to secure bail, the suspects were remanded into custody. There was a heavy presence of armed police in the court.

Speaking to Agoo News, Lawyer Effah Dartey expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision to deny his clients bail. Nana Saka Darko, spokesperson for the Abetifi Palace, expressed support for the court’s ruling, noting that justice must be served.

The abduction, which occurred on November 7, saw Akyemfuor Asiedu Agyemang III violently accosted by armed men.

Addressing the media, the Chief recounted the traumatic incident. At approximately 9:40 a.m., four armed individuals dressed in khaki uniforms stormed his palace, wielding AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, cutlasses, scissors, and batons. The armed assailants reportedly beat and detained the Chief for two hours before military intervention led to his rescue.

“I was severely mishandled and surrounded by guns, cutlasses, and other weapons. They continued to assault me, causing immense pain and stripping me of my rights,” the Chief detailed.

The Chief named notable individuals he claims to have seen during his detention, including Opannin Kwame Debra, Opannin Annor, and Madam Christiana Ohenewaa, who is allegedly posing as “the Great Yaa Asantewaa.”

Akyemfuor Agyemang III expressed gratitude to the Okwahu Traditional Council, the youth of Abetifi, and Ghana’s security forces for their swift intervention. He also acknowledged the support of Hon. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Eastern Regional Minister Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, and other officials involved in his rescue.

Meanwhile, the Queen Mother of Abetifi, Nana Amma Amanua II, clarified that the woman implicated in the incident is not the Queen Mother, as widely speculated, but an imposter. Kwahuhemaa Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III has called for strict legal action against the suspects and their banishment from Kwahu land.

Eastern Regional NPP Chairman Jeff Konadu has pledged to ensure justice is served, stating that the case will be followed to its logical conclusion.