Rita Awatey is the Eastern Regional Minister
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has denied claims and reports of her involvement in the arrest of the Queen Mother of Kwaku, Kwahuhemaa Nana Adwoa Gyemfua III.
According to her, reports suggesting that she authorised the arrest of the Kwahuhemaa are false and misleading.
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This comes after a radio station, Agoo 96.9 FM, published a story accompanied by a video in which a chief, identified in the report as Nana Nilm Sarpong, Abene Bamuhene, claimed the minister had confirmed sanctioning the arrest.
In a statement dated Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the minister described the allegation as a “misrepresentation of facts and an accusation based on falsehood.”
The minister, providing what she described as an accurate account of events, stated that a delegation of Kwahu chiefs visited the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council to provide information on steps taken following the arrest of the Kwahuhemaa.
She added that the delegation also aimed to follow up with her on security issues affecting the region.
“On Monday 1st December 2025, I received a delegation of Chiefs from Kwahu at the Regional Coordinating Council. Their mission was to inform me on steps they have taken so far since the unfortunate arrest of Kwahu Hemaa by Police personnel, and a referral from the IGP for the chiefs to follow up with my office on issues relating to security in the Eastern Region,” portions of her statement read.
Awatey added that the chiefs informed her that the IGP had apologised for the incident, acknowledging that the arrest was carried out by police personnel and that he had ordered an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
The minister noted that she also apologised to the chiefs, not because she authorised the arrest, but because, as regional minister and head of the Regional Security Council, she holds responsibility for the region’s security.
“The chiefs, through the submissions of Kwahu-Abetifi Hene, made it known to me that they have engaged the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and he the IGP, had apologised on grounds that, the men who entered the palace wore police uniforms and he had instructed for investigation to be conducted. He, according to the submissions of the chiefs, apologised because it was police personnel who engaged in that unfortunate incident and subsequently directed the chiefs to my end as Head of the Security Council – Eastern Region.
“In my submission, I also apologised to the chiefs for the conduct of the police personnel who were involved in the unfortunate incident and accepted responsibility not because I sanctioned the arrest of the Kwahu Hemaa, but because I am Regional Minister and Head of the Regional Security Council. Never in my submissions did I categorically say that I ordered for the arrest of Obahemaa. I maintain that as a leader, I take responsibility for wrong doings not because I sanctioned them. but because I am in charge of those who were supposed to have acted better,” she explained.
She explained that her acceptance of responsibility reflects the stance taken by the IGP, who, according to the chiefs, had apologised for the misconduct of his officers.
Awatey, while expressing concern over what she called a misrepresentation of the facts, emphasised that the Regional Security Council remains committed to maintaining peace and security in the region.
“I accepted responsibility just as the IGP did (according to the account of the chiefs through their spokesperson) because the incident happened in the Eastern Region for which I am Minister. Though this unfortunate twist of facts constitutes a dent on the peace processes, I am of the firm belief that together with all other stakeholders in the region, we shall find lasting peace as we work tirelessly to resolve these disputes. The Regional Security Council’s interest is to ensure peace and security. We do not associate with any of the disputing parties,” the statement said.
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The minister also called on the public to disregard claims of her involvement, which she said are intended to tarnish her image and that of the region.
“I therefore call on everyone to disregard the unfortunate reportage that is aimed at tarnishing my reputation and that of the Regional Security Council. I reaffirm my commitment to the oath I swore to serve my country and the Eastern Region. God be our helper,” the statement concluded.
Read the statement below:
MAG/AE
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