The Eastern Regional Police Command of Ghana announced on October 4, 2026, that normalcy has returned to Larteh Ahenase following disturbances that disrupted the Ahenase Odwira Festival celebrations on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Police Command stated that it had reinforced security operations in the community with additional personnel deployed to strengthen public safety and prevent further incidents. This move aimed to address the tensions and ensure peace in the area. The Ahenase Odwira Festival is a significant cultural event in the Akuapem traditional area.
According to the Eastern Regional Police Command, the increased deployment of security personnel was intended to reinforce security arrangements in the area while safeguarding residents, festival participants, and other members of the public. The Police have commenced engagements with relevant stakeholders to address tensions and establish conditions for sustained peace within the community. These discussions aim to ensure that calm is maintained and that similar disturbances do not recur. The Police Command has warned individuals who may attempt to disrupt public order, stressing that anyone found breaching the peace would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
The Ahenase Odwira Festival is a culturally important event associated with thanksgiving, purification, renewal, and the preservation of traditional heritage in the Akuapem traditional area. Larteh Ahenase, where the disturbances occurred, is one of the traditional communities within the wider Akuapem area that participates in Odwira observances. The festival celebrations are significant to the community, and the Police are working to ensure that such events can proceed peacefully. The Eastern Regional Police Command has not disclosed the specific circumstances that triggered the disturbances but has assured the public that it is working to maintain peace.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has issued a strong warning to individuals who may attempt to disrupt public order. The Police have urged residents and all other parties involved to cooperate with the security agencies as efforts continue to prevent further disturbances and restore complete stability to the community. With additional security personnel now stationed in Larteh, the Police Command says it will continue working with traditional authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to preserve peace and maintain public order.
The development in Larteh Ahenase comes as the Ghana Police Service continues to engage with various communities across the country to ensure public safety and security. The Police have been working to strengthen community policing initiatives and improve relationships with traditional authorities and community leaders. In this context, the Eastern Regional Police Command's efforts in Larteh Ahenase are part of a broader strategy to maintain peace and stability in the region.
While the specific circumstances that triggered the disturbances during the Ahenase Odwira Festival celebrations have not been made public, the Police have assured that they are investigating the incident. The Eastern Regional Police Command has also not indicated whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident. However, the Police have emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring that those who breach the peace are dealt with in accordance with the law.
The restoration of calm in Larteh Ahenase has been welcomed by residents and stakeholders, who are hopeful that the community can now focus on celebrating its cultural heritage without disruptions. The Eastern Regional Police Command's efforts to engage with stakeholders and maintain peace in the area are seen as crucial in ensuring that the Ahenase Odwira Festival and other cultural events can proceed peacefully. The Police Command's commitment to working with traditional authorities and community leaders is also expected to help build trust and strengthen community policing initiatives.
Key points
- The Eastern Regional Police Command deployed additional personnel to Larteh Ahenase to restore calm after disturbances during the Ahenase Odwira Festival celebrations.
- The Ahenase Odwira Festival is a culturally significant event in the Akuapem traditional area associated with thanksgiving, purification, renewal, and preservation of traditional heritage.
- The Police have warned individuals who may attempt to disrupt public order, stressing that anyone found breaching the peace would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.