Poasi residents sound warning to security agencies over September 13 chieftaincy incident

Residents of Poasi in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly have protested against any attempts to install a new chief, displaying their opposition by wearing red clothing throughout the community. This occurred in the wake of an incident on September 13, 2026, during which armed security personnel reportedly entered the community as part of a bid to place a new chief.

At a press conference titled "A Call to Action – Enough is Enough," the Poasi Oman Committee warned security services and other stakeholders to refrain from meddling in the community's traditional affairs. The residents explained that the red attire symbolizes their anger and resolve to prevent a recurrence of the September 13 incident.

According to the Poasi Oman Committee, a group claiming affiliation with the Poasi Akwamu Royal Stool family entered the Poasi Palace with armed men, aiming to forcibly install a different chief. This action reportedly caused confusion and fear among community members, including women, children, and the elderly. The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, and the Police Command were credited with helping to restore calm.

Samuel Kwabena Emmisah, Secretary of the Poasi Oman Committee, appealed to the military, police, and other security agencies to stay away from any attempts to install a chief who has not been approved by the community. He emphasized that the community respects the security services and seeks to collaborate with them to maintain peace, but requested that security personnel not enter the community to assist in the installation of a chief without the consent of the appropriate traditional authorities.

The Poasi Oman Committee urged traditional authorities and relevant state institutions to intervene and prevent a recurrence of the incident, stating that any outstanding chieftaincy-related disagreements should be settled through the proper traditional and legal procedures. Assembly Member Gilbert Siaw, who oversees the Poasi Electoral Area, also cautioned anyone involved in the chieftaincy dispute to follow the appropriate channels, as bypassing these processes could generate unnecessary tension.

He stressed that the community desires peace and does not wish for any situation that might lead to chaos.