Residents of Poasi in Ghana's Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have taken to the streets to show their opposition to any further attempts to install another chief. The display of red clothing across the community symbolises their anger over a September 13 incident and their determination to prevent a recurrence. On that day, a group of armed security personnel reportedly entered the community amid an attempt to install a new chief. The incident created confusion and fear among residents, including women, children, and the elderly.
The Poasi Oman Committee, which represents the community, warned security agencies and other stakeholders against interfering in the community's traditional affairs. At a media conference dubbed "A Call to Action – Enough is Enough," the committee appealed to the military, police, and other security agencies to stay away from any attempt to install a chief who has not been accepted by the community. The committee credited the intervention of the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, and the Police Command with helping to restore calm after the September 13 incident.
Secretary of the Poasi Oman Committee, Samuel Kwabena Emmisah, urged security personnel not to enter the community to escort or facilitate the installation of a chief without the consent of the appropriate traditional authorities. He said the community respects the security services and wants to work with them to maintain peace. However, he begged them not to get involved in installing a chief that the community has not accepted.
The Poasi Oman Committee is appealing to traditional authorities and relevant state institutions to intervene and prevent a recurrence of the incident. The committee said any outstanding chieftaincy-related differences should be resolved through the appropriate traditional and legal processes. This, they believe, will help maintain peace and stability in the community.
Assembly Member for the New Takoradi Lower Electoral Area, Gilbert Siaw, also called on anyone seeking to undertake activities relating to the chieftaincy dispute to follow the appropriate channels. He warned that bypassing established authorities responsible for dealing with chieftaincy matters could create unnecessary tension. Siaw stressed that the community does not want a situation that could lead to chaos.
The display of red clothing by the residents of Poasi represents their demand for peace and a call on the security services, traditional authorities, and all other stakeholders to ensure that the events of September 13 do not recur. The community is seeking a peaceful resolution to the chieftaincy dispute and is willing to work with relevant authorities to achieve this goal.
The incident has highlighted the need for stakeholders to respect traditional authorities and processes in Ghana. The Poasi Oman Committee's call for calm and peaceful resolution has been echoed by various stakeholders, who are urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of the chieftaincy dispute.
Key points
- Poasi residents warn security agencies against interfering in local traditional affairs.
- The community demands peace and a call on stakeholders to ensure that the events of September 13 do not recur.
- The incident highlights the need for stakeholders to respect traditional authorities and processes in Ghana.
