Accra: The Gyasewa Royal Family in the Anum Traditional Area in the Eastern Region is calling on the Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to respond to a petition sent to the office urging for intervention in an ongoing criminal case regarding the alleged theft of a Black Stool and royal regalia. The case is currently before the Koforidua Circuit Court B, amid escalating tensions within the community.
According to Ghana Web, the petition, dated 19th January 2026 and signed by Nana Odame Osafo II, Gyasewahene of the Anum Traditional Area, pertains to Suit No. ER/KF/CC/D1/41/2024 - The Republic v. Nana Owusu Ntow and Seven (7) Others. The case has been pending for almost two years. The petitioner stated that the trial has reached the defence stage, with the accused persons presenting their witnesses, following the court's ruling that a prima facie case exists.
The Gyasewa Division expressed concern over alleged claims by some accused individuals, including Nana Owusu Ntow and Samuel Kwasi Annor, suggesting that meetings with the Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney-General in Accra might lead to the case's discontinuance. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General's office has called for the case docket to be sent to Accra, which has stalled proceedings.
The petition expressed that rumors of an impending nolle prosequi have caused anxiety and tension in the Anum community, threatening the peace. It highlighted that such claims could undermine public confidence in the justice system and disturb the fragile peace in the area.
The traditional leaders stressed that they approached the courts in good faith, seeking justice and peaceful dispute resolution. They warned against any extrajudicial influence or interference in an active criminal trial, which could destabilize the community. They urged the Attorney-General's Department to ensure that actions related to the case adhere to law, due process, and transparency, emphasizing that justice openly administered is crucial for sustainable peace.
The petition was copied to key state authorities, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior, the Eastern Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, the Inspector-General of Police, and the District Chief Executive of the Asuogyaman District Assembly. The traditional leaders expressed confidence in the Attorney-General's commitment to the rule of law and called for urgent attention to maintain peace and public trust in the justice system.
The incident occurred in 2023 when military and police officers, along with five others, allegedly broke into the petitioner's room, stealing the Black Stool, royal regalia, and two kente cloths valued at GHC 5,800. Nana Odame Osafo III, the complainant, stated that he was responsible for the safekeeping of these items following his enstoolment as the Gyasewahene.
A witness who observed the theft alerted the complainant, leading to a police report and the arrest of the accused individuals-Nana Owusu Ntow, Samuel Kwasi Annor, Ernest Yaw Acheampong Attuah, Yaw Odame, Nana Okyoampem Adu III, Daniel Ayesu Kumi, and WO1 Michael Opare-Appiah. They were charged with unlawful entry and stealing before the Koforidua Circuit Court "B."
Additionally, the Gyasewa Royal Family has called on the Medical and Dental Council to sanction Bismark Adu Fosu, who allegedly posed as a medical doctor to issue a medical letter declaring one of the accused unwell to stand trial. The Medical and Dental Council confirmed that Bismark Adu Fosu is not a registered medical doctor but a registered Physician Assistant after completing a BSc. Physician Assistantship program in June 2022.