Traditional rulers are custodians of land, tradition, and community discipline, while police enforce state law. Sometimes these roles overlap, for example, in land disputes or local conflicts. In Ghana’s history, there have been cases where both chiefs and police have complained that one party has overstepped its mandate.

Consequently, speaking during a historic visit to the Ghana Police headquarters at the guard of honour parade in his honor organized by the Ghana Police service yesterday, Tuesday, January 6, the Asante Overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighted the need for tradition, culture and law to marry to ensure the sustainability of peace and serendipity in our societies.

According to him, a society’s greatest victory of law enforcement is prevention, and these preventions begin in the homes where the conduct of people is shaped.

Culture and tradition, he said, build the foundation of character and discourage wrongdoing before it becomes legally punishable.

“So it should be obvious, therefore, that the alignment of cultural values with the values of law should be the first step towards crime prevention. Our visit today sets us on a journey towards crystallising this alignment of values and sends a powerful national message: tradition and modern law enforcement are not rivals struggling for relevance; they are collaborators safeguarding the same future.

The greatest victory of law enforcement is prevention, and prevention begins long before police sirens sound. It begins in homes, where discipline is taught; in communities, where elders are respected; and in cultures where wrongdoing is socially discouraged before it becomes legally punishable. This is where culture performs its most important work,” highlighting the need for mutual respect between traditional and modern law enforcement agencies.

“When traditional authority respects legal authority, communities stabilise. When the police respect local customs, cooperation deepens. When both communicate openly, crime loses its hiding place,” Otumfuo noted.

Otumfuo continued to highlight the importance of values taught by culture and traditions, stressing that a society with shared values of responsibility and principles upholds and respects the Policeman, treats him as a partner and not an adversary.

“In a society where values are strong, the police officer is not viewed as an adversary but as a partner. The uniform commands respect not because it carries force but because it represents shared principles. Now imagine a society where values have collapsed. In such a place, the police officer becomes a symbol of oppression. The law becomes an external imposition, and crime becomes defiance masquerading as freedom. The difference between the two societies is not the number of laws on the books; it is the presence or absence of culture.

If law alone could save society, then countries with the thickest law books would have no problems and no prisons at all. Yet even prisons have rules and still require values. The truth is simple, though uncomfortable: no society can outsource morality entirely to the state and expect peace. Together, we must raise citizens, not just enforce laws,” the Asantehene noted.

He made some recommendations as to how traditional rulers and law enforcements agencuies can work harmoniously together to ensure continued peace and security in the society. A regard for this recommendations, he highlighted, would be labelled as intelligence and not softness.

“Therefore, I have come to urge deeper, institutionalised collaboration between traditional authorities and the Ghana Police Service. Let chiefs serve as allies in community policing. Let officers be trained to understand the customs of the people they protect. Let dialogue precede deployment and mediation precede confrontation. This is not softness; it is intelligence. The future of public order lies not in louder force but in stronger values supported by competent, disciplined law enforcement,” he stated.

Otumfuo's emphasis on police working together with traditional rulers in maintaining peace comes barely two months after he reiterated the same to the new Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, when he paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene following his replacement of the former Commander, Commissioner of Police (COP) Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe.

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.