Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey has dismissed reports suggesting she authorised the arrest of the Kwahu Queen mother, Nana Adwoa Gyemtua III.
According to her, these reports are false and misleading.
This comes after a radio station, Agoo 96.9 FM, published a story accompanied by a video in which a chief—identified in the report as Nana Nilm Sarpong, Abene Bamuhene—claimed the Minister had confirmed sanctioning the arrest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the minister described the allegation as a “misrepresentation of facts” and an accusation grounded in falsehood.
She explained that, on December 1, 2025, a delegation of Kwahu chiefs visited the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council to brief her on the steps taken after the Queen Mother’s arrest, and to follow up on a referral from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), C.O.P. Christian Tetteh Yahuna.
The chiefs informed her that the IGP had apologised for the incident, acknowledging that the arrest was carried out by police personnel and that he had instructed an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
The Minister noted that she also apologised to the chiefs—not because she authorised the arrest, but because she is the Regional Minister and head of the Regional Security Council.
“Never in my submissions did I categorically say that I ordered the arrest of the Obahemaa,” she said.
“I take responsibility not because I sanctioned it, but because I am in charge of those who were supposed to have acted better.”
She added that her acceptance of responsibility mirrors the position taken by the IGP, who, according to the chiefs, apologised for the misconduct of his personnel.
While expressing concern over what she described as an unfortunate distortion of facts, the Minister emphasised that the Regional Security Council remains focused on ensuring peace and security in the region.
“We do not associate with any of the disputing parties,” she stressed.
“I call on everyone to disregard the unfortunate reportage aimed at tarnishing my reputation and that of the Regional Security Council.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to working with stakeholders to resolve the ongoing dispute and to safeguard stability in the Eastern Region.
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