King of the Asante kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, has welcomed the new Ashanti Regional Police Commander, charging him to stay within his jurisdiction and stay away from matters that fall under his authority, including chieftaincy and land disputes.

Commissioner of Police (COP) Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, who occupied the position as the Regional Police Commander, has received a promotion following a reshuffle that was carried out in October at the order of the Inspector General of Police.

Taking his place is DCOP Arthur Osei Akot, who paid a courtesy call at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5. During his visit to the Palace yesterday, the Asantehene charged him to remain within his jurisdiction, avoid interference in land and chieftaincy disputes, and resist intimidation from individuals who might misuse the King’s name.

"I'm sure by now, your predecessor has briefed you about your jurisdiction. Ultimately, peace is what we all seek. In the Ashanti Kingdom, matters relating to land and chieftaincy disputes fall under my authority, not that of the police. If anyone, including a chief, brings such a case to you, simply tell them, ‘Hold on, let me consult the Asantehene. Whatever the case may be, once it reaches my attention, peace shall prevail. If anyone attempts to act arrogantly or remains unyielding, especially in land cases, report it to me; those issues are not part of your mandate”, he noted.

He continued, “However, cases involving theft, robbery, and other social vices fall within your responsibility. Handle them diligently and ensure that peace is maintained throughout our region and kingdom.”

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana affirms that all stool, skin, and family lands are vested in the appropriate stool or skin on behalf of, and in trust for, the subjects of that stool or skin. This gives chiefs a legally recognised role as custodians.

This means that chiefs and other traditional authorities hold land in trust for their people. They cannot treat stool or skin lands as private property.

Asantehene, since his enthronement in 1999, has been the primary arbiter of land conflicts in Asanteman 1999, handling countless cases through traditional structures and reinforcing his authority by warning chiefs against illegal practices like using land guards.

During the new Commander’s visit to the Manhyia Palace, he reiterated his commitment to nipping in the bud the resurgence of land guards, warning dethronement for chiefs who employ the services of landguards.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II fumed at the actions of these land guards, adding that such conduct was against the traditional governance system of Asanteman.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further called on individuals or chiefs involved in land disputes to seek amicable resolution through proper channels rather than resorting to violence or unauthorised security arrangements.

“I will destool any chief who engages the services of land guards. They know very well that they have no such authority. When those lands were entrusted to them upon their enstoolment, I never instructed them to hire land guards to protect them. I did not grant them the power to employ people to use guns and harm others.

“If you have any land disputes with anyone, bring it before me, and we will resolve it amicably, for peace to prevail,” the Asantehene said.

In July, the Asantehene issued a similar warning, declaring his readiness to destool any chief found harbouring or condoning the illegal activities of land guards within their jurisdictions. The Asantehene’s declaration came during the first Asanteman Council meeting following the culmination of the Silver Jubilee celebrations at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Asantehene has built a reputation over the years as a credible arbiter, making him a good candidate to be a part of the mediation team to help resolve the long-standing conflict in Bawku.

During President John Dramani Mahama’s first administration, he named Otumfuo to play a mediating role in the Bawku conflict.

He began the mediation around 2013, but the process was stalled due to the renewed violence and difficulties in securing cooperation from the feuding factions, and the need to reorganise the peace framework.

Mediation efforts began in 2023, but by 2024, the process was paused. During this period, Otumfuo emphasised that he would only continue if both sides were committed to dialogue. In April 2025, Otumfuo resumed mediation at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s involvement in the peace process has been met with widespread approval, with many hopeful that his leadership will play a critical role in restoring peace and stability to the troubled Bawku region.

Colonel Festus Aboagye (Retired), a distinguished security expert, has called for greater support for Otumfuo’s initiative, stressing the importance of embracing multi-track diplomacy to strengthen the peace process.

Colonel Aboagye urged a more inclusive approach to the mediation, calling for the involvement of various national stakeholders such as diaspora leaders, youth advocates, and women’s peacebuilding networks.

He believes that a broader, multi-dimensional strategy will result in a more sustainable and inclusive solution to the conflict.

“Support Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s mediation through multi-track diplomacy, incorporating diaspora leaders, youth influencers, and women’s peacebuilding networks,” he proposed.

He also cautioned that traditional diplomatic efforts alone might not be enough to resolve the deep divisions that have fueled the protracted conflict.