Gomoa Assin Residents Protest Against Palace Invasion

The community of Gomoa Assin, the traditional hub of the Gomoa Akyempim (Assin) Traditional Area, is in turmoil following a reported invasion of their paramountcy palace by armed individuals.

The intruders are alleged to be acting under the orders of the customarily deposed Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, and his infamous landguards.

A petition, intercepted by our news sources, was submitted to the Inspector General of Police by the Elders, Opinion Leaders, and Asafo (custom guardians) of Gomoa Assin.

The document, dated July 13, 2024, outlines a series of violent events that began on July 10, 2024. According to the petition, the armed landguards stormed the Gomoa Akyempim Palace just before dawn, disrupting planned ancestral rites and creating an atmosphere of fear and danger.

The night before, on July 9, 2024, at around 11:00 pm, an emergency call was made to the Omanhemaa, Obaatanpa Ama Eduwa I, informing her of the invasion as she traveled to the town. The Asafo confronted the intruders, who claimed they were sent by the destooled Omanhen, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II. These 17 armed men were later identified as notorious landguards from Ashaiman, which heightened the community’s anxiety.

Despite urgent requests for help, the Apam District Police Command responded late, arriving at 1:00 am. Upon their arrival, the police’s interrogation of the intruders revealed conflicting and implausible explanations.

By the time the Queenmother arrived, the landguards’ aggression had intensified, preventing her from entering the palace and threatening to disrupt the sacred rites while the police stood by.

The community elders expressed confusion and disappointment over the police’s conduct, noting that the officers were seen conversing amicably with the landguards rather than arresting them. Instead, the police directed the Omanhemaa and the Asafo to file a formal complaint at the station.

Earlier that day, the destooled Omanhen had ordered the palace to be closed, a decision the Asafo overturned, citing his two-year abandonment of the palace. The Elders believe that the invasion was a deliberate effort by Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II to incite fear and panic, worsening the town’s insecurity.

The landguards departed three days later but not before assaulting several residents and blocking the palace gates with piles of stones and sand.

Adding to the community’s distress, the late Omanhen and his Omanhemaa’s remains are still in the palace, unburied for 25 years due to the deposed Omanhen’s refusal to perform the final rites. Additionally, there have been multiple attempts by the destooled Omanhen to transfer the sacred shrine from the palace to his private residence, contributing to his destoolment.

The petition questions the Apam Police’s integrity, accusing them of failing to protect the Traditional Area’s interests. It highlights the increase in landguard-related violence, including the recent murder of a military officer in the Gomoa Fetteh/Nyanyano area, attributing this to the destooled Omanhen’s influence.

The residents are calling for the immediate investigation and arrest of Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II and his landguard accomplices.

They urge the Ghana Police Service to take swift and decisive action to restore peace and security in the community.

The petition concludes with a stark warning: if these issues are not resolved, escalating tensions may lead to violent clashes.

As the people of Gomoa Assin await action from the authorities, the stability and peace of their community remain in jeopardy.