10 arrested over illegal arms possession linked to Adambrobe chieftaincy dispute

The Eastern Regional Police Command has arrested ten individuals for allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition without lawful authority in connection with the ongoing chieftaincy dispute at Adambrobe, near Aburi in the Eastern Region.

According to an official statement released by the Command’s Public Affairs Unit, the arrests were carried out on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a targeted security operation led by the Aburi District Police Command aimed at restoring calm in the area.

The suspects include Dawu Joseph, a farmer; Kwame Aboagye, a vulcanizer; Samuel Obeng, a taxi driver based in Adambrobe; Owusu Paul, identified as a member of the Adambrobe Asekyere family; and Jerry John Kwame Atilla, a businessman from Sowutuom.

The remaining suspects — Evans Dekadzor, Christian Atsu, Samuel Annan, Thomas Davidson, and Richard Agyeman — are reported to be private security personnel. Authorities believe their involvement may be linked to heightened tensions surrounding the protracted chieftaincy conflict in the community.

Police revealed that a search conducted during the operation led to the seizure of a cache of weapons and related items, including five pump-action rifles, twenty-three live cartridges, a taser, six mobile phones, and a piece of body armour. The discovery has raised concerns about the potential for escalation in the already volatile dispute.

In addition, two vehicles allegedly used to transport the suspects were impounded. These include an unregistered Ford pickup and a Toyota Corolla with registration number GE 2560-19.

In a related development, the police disclosed that another individual, identified as Douglas Amoako Danquah, was arrested on Monday, May 4, after he was reportedly seen participating in a procession within the township. Despite this additional arrest, authorities clarified that the total number of suspects linked to the case remains ten, suggesting that earlier figures may have been adjusted following preliminary investigations.

The police command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in the area and warned individuals involved in the dispute to refrain from acts that could further destabilize the peace.

The chieftaincy dispute at Adambrobe has been a source of tension in recent times, with intermittent security concerns prompting increased police presence and intervention. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be processed in accordance with the law.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities as efforts continue to prevent further violence and ensure public safety in the Aburi enclave.