Dodowa: The youth of Shai have called for the immediate cancellation of a proposed royal visit by the Paramount Chief of Akuapem to Dodowa, expressing concerns that the event could exacerbate tensions related to an ongoing traditional leadership dispute in the area. The youth, during a press conference in Dodowa, urged Nana Kwasi Akuffo II, the Paramount Chief of Akuapem, to decline the invitation to visit Lower Dodowa on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in order to maintain peace.
According to Ghana News Agency, the youth's opposition is rooted in an unresolved dispute concerning the purported installation and the intended outdooring of a chief for Lower Dodowa. They have raised concerns surrounding traditional authority and territorial jurisdiction, which have become contentious issues in the region. The youth have aligned themselves with the Shai Traditional Council and the Osudoku Traditional Council, both of which have petitioned state authorities to intervene and prevent any potential breach of peace.
Mr. Otu Zor, speaking on behalf of the youth, emphasized that their stance is not against the people of Akuapem. Instead, they are committed to fostering peaceful coexistence with neighboring traditional communities, while also focusing on safeguarding the traditional authority, territorial integrity, and peace of the Shai Traditional Area. The youth have called on event organizers to cancel the proposed program and have appealed to various state institutions, including the Minister for the Interior, the National Security Council, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Greater Accra Regional Security Council, to take preventive measures to avert any disturbances.
The youth also urged residents, particularly the youth, to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, while allowing the appropriate authorities to address the issue through lawful means. Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Innocent Amemo, the Dodowa Divisional Police Commander, stated that the police had been notified of the proposed visit. He advised the organizers that the visit could not proceed due to the requirements under the Public Order Act (Act 491), and recommended postponing the visit by the chief to his subjects in Lower Dodowa.
ACP Amemo further explained that the organizers had been instructed to suspend the program and meet the necessary legal requirements before any further consideration could be given to the event. The matter has been referred to the Tema Regional Police Command, and the regional commander has been informed. The Divisional Commander appealed to the youth and elders of the area to exercise restraint and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace, assuring that the police are aware of the historical context of the dispute and are committed to preventing any breach of the peace.