Tension in the Kwahu Traditional Area escalated sharply when the Kwahumanhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, dramatically sat on the ground and dared police officers to arrest him during a dawn raid at the Abene Palace.
According to GhanaRegions.com reporter, the confrontation, which followed the controversial arrest of the Queen Mother, has intensified an already volatile chieftaincy dispute gripping the Eastern Region.
Early Life & Royal Lineage
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, born Baffour Akoto Osei, hails from the Etena royal family of Nkwatia in the Kwahu Traditional Area. The Etena family is one of the respected royal houses in Kwahu, responsible for producing eminent leaders over the centuries.
Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he was immersed early in the values, customs and responsibilities associated with traditional leadership.
Education
Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III has a strong academic background in engineering:
- St. Peter’s Secondary School – O-Level and A-Level certificates
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) – BSc in Civil Engineering
- London South Bank University – MSc in Civil Engineering
His education set the foundation for a successful professional career before ascending the Kwahu Paramount Stool.
Professional Background
Before becoming chief, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III worked extensively in the engineering, construction, real estate, and maritime industries.
Professional Experience
- Chartered Civil Engineer
- Project Manager
- Real Estate Developer
- Shipping and Transshipment Executive
- Over 28 years of experience in technical, managerial, and executive roles
- Worked in reputable engineering firms in Ghana and the United Kingdom
Founder / CEO Roles
He established and led multiple companies:
- Turner Marine Ltd – Shipping, logistics, and transshipment operations across West Africa and Asia
- GHS Engineering Ltd – Civil engineering, road construction, and infrastructure development
- GHS Housing Ltd – Real estate and housing development
Professional Memberships
- Member, Ghana Institution of Engineers
- Associate Member, Association of Project Managers
This professional grounding has shaped his development-focused leadership as a traditional ruler.
Enstoolment as Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III
On 27 January 2025, Baffour Akoto Osei was enstooled as Paramount Chief (Kwahumanhene) of the Kwahu Traditional Area under the stool name Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III.
The traditional ceremony took place in Abene, the seat of the Kwahu paramountcy, involving:
- A durbar of chiefs
- Swearing of oaths
- Cultural performances
- Recognition by traditional elders and kingmakers
His accession was welcomed by sections of the community, especially the youth and development stakeholders.
Vision as Traditional Leader
Upon ascending the stool, he outlined a clear development plan:
1. Agricultural Transformation
- Support for large-scale farming
- Establishment of mechanization centers
- Partnerships with local MPs and government agencies
- Promotion of agribusiness and value-addition
2. Entrepreneurship & Job Creation
- Empowering youth with skills and business support
- Attracting investment into Kwahu
- Strengthening community-based enterprises
3. Sports & Youth Development
- Revitalizing Okwahu United Football Club
- Creating recreational and sports development programs
- Using sports as a tool for unity and youth empowerment
4. Peace & Unity
He consistently emphasized the importance of unity in Kwahuman and pledged to work toward lasting harmony despite disputes surrounding the paramountcy.
LATEST NEWS: November 2025 Palace Incident & Chieftaincy Crisis
The Kwahu Traditional Area has been experiencing a deepening chieftaincy dispute, which escalated dramatically on Monday, 17 November 2025.
Queen Mother Arrested in a Dawn Raid
During an early morning operation at the Abene Palace:
- The Kwahu Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, was arrested in a dawn raid.
- Armed men, reportedly including individuals wearing police uniforms, stormed the palace around 4:30 a.m.
- The Queen Mother was detained for several hours and later released on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, who called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
The incident fuelled widespread tension and public concern.
Dramatic Scene as Kwahumanhene Dares Police
A viral video from the same incident captured a confrontation between Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III and officers who attempted to take him into custody.
In the video, Daasebre is seen sitting on the ground inside the palace, challenging the officers:
“I’m not going anywhere with you. Arrest me, arrest me if you can.”
The symbolism of a chief sitting on the bare ground—traditionally an act of defiance and spiritual invocation—intensified public debate.
@ghanaregions Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III – Kwahumanhene sits on the ground, daring Ghana police to arrest him. Kwahumanhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III lamenting while sitting on the ground.
Palace guards were reportedly injured during the altercation.
Legal Background: Interlocutory Injunction
The Judicial Committee of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs has issued an interlocutory injunction relating to the Kwahu paramountcy.
Key points from the injunction:
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Several individuals are barred from performing functions associated with the Kwahu paramount stool.
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The injunction is tied to an ongoing chieftaincy litigation between factions supporting different claimants.
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It seeks to prevent parallel leadership and maintain order while the case is heard.
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The House of Chiefs insists that no two persons can simultaneously occupy the same paramount stool under customary and statutory law.
This ruling forms the legal backdrop of the current tensions.
Implications of the November 2025 Developments
1. Rising Tensions
The November raid and arrests highlight increasing volatility in the Kwahu chieftaincy dispute.
2. Clash Between Customary Authority and State Power
The confrontation between a paramount chief and police officers has raised serious questions about:
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Jurisdiction
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Procedure
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Respect for traditional authority
3. Community Division
Factions loyal to different chiefs have become more polarized.
4. Impact on Development
Political and legal uncertainty threatens to stall the chief’s ambitious development agenda for agriculture, youth empowerment, and sports.
5. State Intervention
The IGP’s order for a full investigation shows the state’s attempt to de-escalate the conflict.
