Agona Duakwa (C/R), Sept 23, GNA - The Chief of Agona Duakwa, Nana Kojo Amoakwa Boadu V, has protested against the refusal of the Nyakrom District Police Command for refusing to grant a permit for the celebration of this year's Akwambo festival.

Speaking to newsmen at Duakwa on Thursday, he said it was unfortunate for the police to heighten tension by declaring Duakwa an insecurity area and calling for the postponement of the annual Akwambo Festival of the Chiefs and people of the area.

Nana Boadu was reacting to a letter by the Nyakrom District Police Commander putting off the celebration of the festival to another date. The solicitor of Duakwahene, Mr Ishmael Kofi Turkson, stated that Nana Esi Mmaa was the Queen mother of the Omankrado and not Duakwa and therefore had no authority to write to the Police demanding that the festival should not be held because there was trouble in the town.

He pointed out that millions of cedis had been spent towards preparation for the celebration and important personalities had been invited.

Mr Turkson appealed to the police not to dabble in chieftaincy matters to create an impression that there would be a breach of the peace if the festival, was celebrated when there was absolute peace in the town.

He pointed out that if Nana Esi Mmaa had a case with her Omankrado who is family chief it should not be extended to affect the whole town to warrant a postponement of the Akwambo festival.

Mr Turkson pointed out that it was only the District Security Council (DISEC) and the courts that could stop the Chiefs and people from celebrating their annual festival if there were security problems in the area that could lead to breech of peace.

DSP Amankwatia in a letter dated 20th September 2005 to the Duakwahene stated that permission for the festival could not be granted as a result of a petition from Nana Esi Mmaa against Nana Kofi Aberde IV, Mankrado of Duakwa to the Police Divisional Commander at Agona Swedru.