Tension escalated in the Kwahu Traditional Area following a controversial dawn police operation on Monday, November 17, concerning the Queen Mother of Kwahu, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III. In response to widespread alarm and conflicting reports, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) swiftly ordered the immediate release of the Queen Mother and launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the operation by the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB). Security has since been heightened across the region, with additional personnel deployed to ensure peace and safety as the investigation unfolds.

The incident, which reportedly took place around 4:30 a.m. at the Abene Palace, sparked outrage and claims of abduction. The Paramount Chief of Kwahu, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, recounted to Adom FM that heavily armed police officers stormed the palace, firing shots "indiscriminately" before allegedly taking the Queen Mother away. The linguist of the Kwahumanhene, Obour Asabere, further detailed that armed individuals, including landguards and police, were involved, resulting in injuries to some palace guards. He expressed fears of arrest if he visited the palace, underscoring the volatile situation. The exact motive for the raid remained unclear initially, and the Kwahu Police Commander reportedly denied knowledge of the operation when contacted by the Paramount Chief.

However, the Kwahu Traditional Council strongly refuted claims of an abduction, labeling them "entirely false." In an official statement, the Council clarified that Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III was not taken by force and that the confusion arose from the lawful enforcement of a court order. This order, an interlocutory injunction issued by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs on June 24, 2024, was granted in favour of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. The injunction specifically restrains Baffour Osei Akoto, who has been styling himself as Kwahuhene, along with the Queen Mother and others, from interfering with Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II’s occupation and duties at the Abene Palace.

The Traditional Council maintained that the police intervention was "to secure the peace" and prevent potential clashes, affirming the legality of the action as a court directive enforcement. They further clarified that the Queen Mother "does not reside at the Abene Palace, nor do any of the individuals who were arrested," directly contradicting initial reports and the current Paramount Chief's claims. The Council also made serious allegations that the Queen Mother had engaged "thugs" in an attempt to forcibly take over the Abene Palace and issued threats to disrupt the legitimate work of the substantive Kwahuhene, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II. They confirmed that all persons arrested during the operation are in lawful custody, safe, and in good health.

Regarding the leadership of the operation, the current Paramount Chief, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, suggested his predecessor, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II (who was destooled in 2024), led the raid. This aligns with the injunction favoring Agyapong II. The linguist's report of a "former chief Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II" leading the raid appears to be an inconsistency or typo, likely referring to the same destooled predecessor, Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, given the context of his grievances and the court order. Despite the conflicting narratives, the IGP's directive to release the Queen Mother and initiate an internal investigation by the PPSB is viewed as a crucial step to de-escalate the situation and address public concerns regarding the conduct of officers. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as the Police Professional Standards Bureau diligently examines whether proper procedures were adhered to during the controversial early-morning operation.