15/11/2025
THE KILLING OF THE AKWAMUHENE OF TANOSO IN THE BONO EAST REGION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Exactly a week ago, we received with shock and deep sorrow the tragic news of the killing of the Akwamuhene of Tanoso in the Bono East Region. This incident is not only a painful loss to the immediate family and the people of Tanoso, but also a grave assault on the unity, peace, and cultural heritage of our traditional governance system.
We commend the Ghana Police Service for the swift arrest of five suspects currently in custody. Their prompt action offers some assurance that justice will be pursued.
However, it is deeply troubling that such irreversible damage was allowed to occur before decisive action was taken. On countless occasions, individuals have been seen wielding weapons in broad daylight, threatening residents, yet no meaningful action was taken. This continuous neglect has emboldened troublemakers and created the environment that made this tragedy possible.
A supposed man of God, known as Odifour Kudjo, has formed a vigilante group responsible for destabilizing the peace of the town. Despite having no legitimate capacity or authority in Tanoso, he has operated as though above the law—selling lands illegally, turning families against each other, and allegedly supplying weapons to vigilante elements to support his land dealings. He is currently in custody in connection with the murder of the Akwamuhene.
It is important to state clearly that the violence we are witnessing in Tanoso began only after the formation of this vigilante group. Numerous violent incidents have been recorded involving this group, and all individuals arrested in connection with the murder of the Akwamuhene have affiliations with it.
Documented Incidents Linked to the Vigilante Group
1. When His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was traveling to Nkoransa, rites were performed in the Tano River as custom demands. After the ceremony, the royal family members led by Abusuapanin Kwaku Druye were assaulted by the group.
2. Following a directive from the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs to delete the name of Nana Kwaku Kwarteng from the National Register of Chiefs, the group destroyed properties belonging to persons perceived to belong to the Asante caucus.
3. A resident, Atta Kofi, was assaulted after taking the group’s ringleader to court for the destruction of his cashew farm.
4. Members of the group have repeatedly assaulted individuals at funerals.
5. In 2023, the group invaded the Presbyterian Church during a town meeting, scattering the gathering and threatening participants.
6. Houses have been burnt simply because the owners were perceived to support the Asante agenda.
7. The latest and most devastating act is the threatening and subsequent killing of the Akwamuhene of Tanoso.
These acts raise urgent questions:
Does the police command in Tanoso have records of these incidents?
If yes, what actions were taken?
The District Police Command cannot deny knowledge of these issues. If the perpetrators had been dealt with decisively from the beginning, would they have gathered the boldness to commit such a heinous crime?
This vigilante group has repeatedly boasted that the police in Tanoso will do nothing against them—and sadly, the inaction on numerous reported cases seems to support their claims.
We strongly condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of a traditional leader—someone entrusted with promoting harmony, safeguarding customs, and guiding community development—is an attack on the very fabric of our society. It is unacceptable that such violence continues to undermine the peace and security that our communities strive to uphold.
We call on the Ghana Police Service and all relevant security agencies to ensure justice is served for the family and people of Tanoso and Ghana at large. No effort should be spared in uncovering the full truth behind this tragedy. The killing of Nana Owusu Korkor, the Akwamuhene of Tanoso, goes beyond one family or stool. Those arrested are part of a group that has openly pursued an anti-Asante agenda within the town.
It must be emphasized that traditional allegiance and administrative boundaries are not the same. It is neither illegal nor unusual for Tanoso to owe traditional allegiance beyond the regional boundary. Ghanaian traditions and multiple court rulings have affirmed this principle.
We urge the people of Tanoso to remain calm and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. Retaliation or disorder will only worsen the pain and hinder the path to justice. This is a time for unity, restraint, and collective resolve.
Our deepest condolences go to the bereaved family and the people of Tanoso.
We reaffirm our commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, respecting the sanctity of traditional authority, and ensuring that acts of violence have no place in our society.
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