In an alarming turn of events, the revered Gomoa Akyempim Palace in the Central Region of Ghana was infiltrated by unidentified armed individuals late last night.

The incident, which unfolded just hours before sacred ancestral rites were scheduled, has raised serious concerns about the security and peace in the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area.

At 11:00 pm on July 9, 2024, the Paramount Queenmother, Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I, received distressing reports from local chiefs, Asafo, and residents regarding the presence of these intruders.

Tensions nearly erupted into severe clashes as Asafo members confronted the armed men, who claimed they were sent by the destooled Paramount Chief, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II.

However, further interrogation revealed that these 17 individuals were actually notorious landguards from Ashaiman.

Despite repeated calls for assistance, the Apam District Police Command’s response was delayed, arriving only after the situation had escalated.

Upon their arrival at 1:00 am, the police questioned the intruders, whose explanations were inconsistent and unconvincing.

The Police assured that they would ensure order upon the Queenmother’s arrival.

By 4:00 am, the Queen mother and key stakeholders had arrived, only to face continued obstruction from the intruders during the performance of sacred ancestral rituals.

The police, unable to effectively manage the situation, pleaded with the Queen mother to abandon the activities. As tensions soared amidst a downpour, calm was eventually restored by residents and Asafo companies eager to remove the intruders.

The incident follows a directive from the embattled Omanhen earlier on July 9 to close the palace. However, the Asafo lifted these restrictions, citing that the Omanhen had abandoned the palace two years prior and had converted his residence into a Traditional Council.

The Queenmother suspects this intrusion was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace and security of Gomoa Assin.

The Queenmother’s statement underscores a growing concern: “While the Ghana Police Service intensifies its efforts to ensure peace and security across the country, particularly during this election year, bandits in Gomoa, especially Gomoa Assin, have equally escalated their activities to maintain insecurity. The Apam Police Command’s complacency in this matter raises concerns of possible compromise.”

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The Queenmother has filed an official complaint with the Apam Police Command, stressing that local support is crucial to address the threat posed by these bandits.

The community remains resolute, ready to assist security agencies in restoring order, but also prepared to take matters into their own hands if necessary.

The Queenmother’s call to action is clear and urgent: “We openly appeal to the IGP to act swiftly against these threats before residents and Asafo companies are forced to confront them directly.”

The people of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area stand firm, and committed to their sacred oaths and the rule of law, but the need for immediate and decisive action is critical to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety and security of the community.