A pre-dawn raid on the Kwahu Traditional Council palace has plunged the historic Kwahu area into a state of heightened tension, with reports suggesting the abduction of the revered Queen Mother, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III.
The incident, which unfolded around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, involved heavily armed personnel in police uniforms storming the residence at Abene, firing indiscriminately and detaining several individuals, according to the Paramount Chief, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Daasebre Boateng detailed the chaos: “The gunmen burst into the palace, shots ringing out everywhere. They bundled people into vehicles and sped off to an unknown destination.” It was only after the dust settled that the absence of Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III—the Kwahuhemaa and a pivotal figure in the traditional area’s governance—became apparent, fueling suspicions of foul play.
The chief’s attempts to seek clarity from the Kwahu Police Commander yielded no answers. “I called him directly to ask if he authorized the operation or knew the men involved. He denied any knowledge,” Daasebre Boateng revealed, underscoring the operation’s apparent rogue nature.
Sources close to the palace point fingers at Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, the former Kwahuhene destooled in 2024 after a controversial seven-year reign marred by allegations of extortion and misconduct. Intelligence suggests the ex-chief may have orchestrated the raid, possibly in a bid to reclaim influence amid ongoing chieftaincy disputes.
The Kwahu Traditional Area has been a powder keg since Agyapong’s removal, with simmering rivalries between factions loyal to the current leadership and those backing the ousted ruler.
Earlier this year, tensions escalated when armed police—allegedly under Agyapong’s influence—attempted a similar incursion, prompting calls from Nana Gyamfua III for the transfer of the local police commander, whom she accused of bias.
A prior incident in Abetifi involved an attempted kidnapping of a chief, linked to the same power struggles, where the Queen Mother had demanded the perpetrator’s banishment.
Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, enstooled as Kwahuhemaa in a bid to restore stability, has been a vocal advocate for unity and justice in the face of these feuds.
Her reported disappearance has mobilized youth groups and elders, who have gathered at the palace demanding immediate action. “This is an assault on our traditions and sovereignty,” one elder declared. Residents report roadblocks and increased patrols, with fears of escalation into broader unrest.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, leaving a vacuum filled by rumors and anxiety. As of midday on November 17, no leads on the Queen Mother’s whereabouts have surfaced, though unconfirmed reports hint at a possible sighting near the Volta border. The incident echoes a pattern of chieftaincy-related violence in Kwahu, including a 2024 peace march by hundreds protesting the destoolment process.
Traditional leaders have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama for intervention, urging the deployment of neutral security forces to safeguard the area. “We need justice, not more guns,” Daasebre Boateng emphasized. Human rights groups are monitoring closely, warning that unchecked vigilantism could undermine Ghana’s fragile ethnic harmonies.
As search efforts intensify, the Kwahu Traditional Council has convened an emergency session, vowing to spare no effort in securing Nana Gyamfua III’s safe return. The nation watches warily, hoping this dawn raid does not herald a darker chapter in one of Ghana’s most storied kingdoms. Updates are expected as police break their silence.
