Accra: Mr. Christian Tetteh-Yohuno, Inspector General of Police (IGP), has commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his contributions to peace and security in Ghana. He highlighted the Asantehene's significant role in mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute in Yendi and the protracted Bawku crisis, which have been instrumental in restoring peace and stability in these regions. The commendation was made during the Asantehene's maiden visit to the Police Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday.
According to Ghana News Agency, the IGP emphasized the practical recommendations resulting from the Asantehene's interventions, which continue to guide security operations. He noted the indispensable role of chiefs, as custodians of land, culture, and customs, in maintaining law and order. In the Ashanti Region, the Asantehene's intervention in various land and chieftaincy disputes has been pivotal in restoring order, reducing violence, and enhancing the effectiveness of policing efforts.
On the issue of illegal mining, the IGP praised the Asantehene's directive urging chiefs to take decisive action against the practice within their jurisdictions, highlighting the continued relevance of traditional leadership in addressing modern security challenges. Furthermore, Mr. Yohuno acknowledged the Asantehene's unwavering support for the Ghana Police Service through counselling, guidance, and encouragement, particularly benefiting the Ashanti Regional Police Command.
Reflecting on history, the IGP remarked that before the advent of modern European-style policing, African societies, especially the Ashanti Kingdom, had well-established systems of law, order, and justice. He cited the Ahenfie policing system, managed through the Ashanti Courts, as one of the earliest forms of organized policing, ensuring social order, dispute resolution, and community safety through deeply rooted customs.
Mr. Yohuno explained that with the introduction of colonial policing, indigenous systems were not eradicated but rather integrated into emerging state structures, shaping contemporary policing. During the visit, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called for a partnership in community policing, emphasizing the importance of training officers to understand the customs of the communities they serve and advocating for dialogue to precede confrontation. He stressed that when traditional authority respects legal authority, it leads to stabilized communities, while police respect for local customs enhances cooperation.
The Asantehene concluded by asserting that society cannot entirely delegate morality to the state and expect peace, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in maintaining national security.