There is growing tension in the Anum Traditional Area in the Eastern Region following alleged leaked information suggesting that the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice intends to discontinue a criminal case involving the alleged theft of a Black Stool by military and police officers.
Amid the rising anxiety, the Gyasewahene of the Anum Traditional Area has formally petitioned the Attorney-General, calling for urgent intervention and transparency in the matter, which is currently before the Koforidua Circuit Court “B.”
The petition, dated 19 January 2026 and signed by Nana Odame Osafo II, relates to Suit No. ER/KF/CC/D1/41/2024 – The Republic v. Nana Owusu Ntow and Seven Others, a case that has been pending for nearly two years.
According to the petitioners, the trial has progressed substantially, with the court already ruling that a prima facie case has been established. The case is presently at the defence stage, with the accused persons calling their witnesses.
However, the Gyasewa Division, described as the victims and principal witnesses in the case, has expressed deep concern over public statements allegedly made by some of the accused persons, including Nana Owusu Ntow and Samuel Kwasi Annor.
These statements reportedly suggest that meetings have been held with the Attorney-General and the Deputy Attorney-General in Accra, and that an understanding has been reached for the discontinuance of the case at the next court sitting scheduled for 29 January 2026.
The petition warns that claims of an impending nolle prosequi have created anxiety, apprehension, and heightened tension within the Anum community, raising fears of a possible disturbance of public peace.
“The mere circulation of such claims has the potential to undermine public confidence in the justice system and disturb the fragile peace within the Anum Traditional Area,” the petition stated.
Traditional leaders emphasized that the Gyasewa Division and the Buruku Royal Family of Anum, Akroso, and Teacher Mante approached the courts in good faith, seeking justice through lawful and peaceful means.
They cautioned that any perceived extrajudicial influence or behind-the-scenes interference in an active criminal trial could have serious implications for community stability.
The leaders therefore urged the Attorney-General’s Department to ensure that any action taken in the case is guided strictly by law, due process, and transparency, stressing that justice openly administered remains the surest path to sustainable peace.
Copies of the petition were sent to key state authorities, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior, the Eastern Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, the Inspector-General of Police, and the District Chief Executive of the Asuogyaman District Assembly.
The traditional authorities concluded by expressing confidence in the Attorney-General’s commitment to the rule of law and appealed for urgent attention to the matter to preserve peace and public trust in the justice system.
By Kojo Ansah
