The streets of Poasi, a community in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, turned red as residents protested against attempts to install a new chief on September 13, 2026. The colour symbolised their anger and determination to stop any further interference in their traditional leadership.
The protest followed an incident that day when armed security personnel were reported to have entered Poasi during an effort by a group claiming to be linked to the Poasi Akwamu Royal Stool family to forcefully install another chief. The Poasi Oman Committee said the group invaded the Poasi Palace with armed men, causing confusion and fear among residents, including women, children, and the elderly.
At a media conference called “A Call to Action – Enough is Enough,” the committee warned security services and stakeholders against meddling in the community’s chieftaincy affairs. Secretary of the Poasi Oman Committee, Samuel Kwabena Emmisah, appealed directly to the military, police, and other security agencies, urging them not to get involved in installing a chief whom the community does not accept.
“We respect our security agencies, especially the military, the police, and the other agencies. We respect them, and we beg them not to involve themselves or get influenced by or induced by any person that they will just come into the community and try to install a chief that we have not accepted and do not endorse,” Mr. Emmisah said.
He added that the community respects the security services and wants to work with them to maintain peace but asked that no security personnel enter Poasi to escort or facilitate the installation of a chief without the approval of the appropriate traditional authorities.
The Poasi Oman Committee credited the intervention of the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, and the Police Command for helping to restore calm after the incident.
Gilbert Siaw, Assembly Member for the New Takoradi Lower Electoral Area, which includes Poasi, also spoke against bypassing established channels in resolving chieftaincy disputes. He urged anyone involved in such matters to follow the correct procedures through the recognised authorities.
“There are established authorities responsible for dealing with chieftaincy matters and warned that bypassing those processes could create unnecessary tension,” Mr. Siaw said. He warned that the community does not want chaos and stressed the need for peace.
The Poasi Oman Committee called on traditional authorities and relevant state institutions to intervene and prevent a repeat of the September 13 events. They urged that any remaining disagreements over chieftaincy be handled through traditional and legal processes.
For the people of Poasi, dressing in red is more than a protest tactic. It is a clear message demanding peace and calling on security agencies, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that what happened on September 13 does not happen again.
According to 3News.
