By: Samuel Asamoah

The Ghana Police Service has intervened to halt a planned royal visit by the Paramount Chief of Akuapem to Dodowa following rising tensions over an ongoing chieftaincy dispute, as the Youth of Shai intensified calls for the programme to be cancelled.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a press conference organised by the Youth of Shai in Dodowa, where the group reiterated its opposition to the proposed visit by the Paramount Chief of Akuapem, Nana Kwasi Akuffo II, which had been scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the Old Ghanata Park.

Addressing journalists after the youth’s statement, the Dodowa District Police Commander, ACP Innocent Amemo, disclosed that the police had stepped in to suspend the planned visit until all outstanding issues surrounding the dispute are resolved.

According to ACP Amemo, the decision forms part of efforts by the security services to preserve law and order and prevent any possible breach of the peace in the area.

He appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid engaging in any form of violence while the appropriate authorities work towards resolving the matter.

Earlier, the Youth of Shai called on Nana Kwasi Akuffo II to decline the invitation, arguing that the proposed visit comes at a time when a dispute over the purported installation and intended outdooring of a chief for Lower Dodowa remains unresolved.

The group said its position is consistent with that of the Shai Traditional Council and the Osudoku Traditional Council, which have petitioned the government and security agencies over what they describe as attempts to extend another traditional authority’s jurisdiction into Dodowa and adjoining lands.

According to the youth, the petition outlines the historical and legal basis of the Shai and Osudoku Traditional Areas and urges the state to intervene to safeguard peace and prevent conflict.

The group maintained that its opposition is not directed at the people of Akuapem but is intended to protect what it describes as the traditional authority, territorial integrity and peace of the Shai Traditional Area.

The Youth of Shai also appealed to the Ministry of the Interior, the National Security Council, the Ghana Police Service, the Greater Accra Regional Security Council and other relevant state institutions to take proactive measures to avert any disturbance.

They further urged residents of Shai to remain peaceful and law-abiding, insisting that the matter should be resolved through lawful and constitutional means.

As of the time of publication, there had been no public response from the Akuapem Traditional Council or the organisers of the proposed royal visit regarding the police decision or the demands by the Youth of Shai.