The Nsawam High Court in the Eastern Region, presided over by Justice Paul Oduro, has ruled against the planned Osenase Homecoming event, citing the likelihood of a breach of the peace amid a pending chieftaincy dispute in the community.
The court found that the organisers had neither notified the Police of the event nor qualified for an exemption from the notice requirement under the Public Order Act.
In outlining the issues for determination, the court considered whether the respondents had notified the Police, whether the event was exempt from the statutory notice requirement and whether it was likely to breach the peace.
On the likelihood of a breach of the peace, Justice Oduro noted that although the respondents maintained that the event was charitable, the details in the programme outline depicted a traditional event.
He held that the risk of a breach of the peace was imminent, given the prospect of a very large crowd gathering in an area where a chieftaincy dispute was pending.
“Although the Respondents maintain that the event was a charitable event, the details on the programme outline depict a traditional event hence the likelihood of a breach of peace was imminent in the face of the very large crowd gathering in an area where a chieftaincy dispute was pending”
The ruling follows an application by the Ghana Police Service seeking a court order to stop the Homecoming, scheduled for October 12 to 18, 2026, at the Osenase durbar grounds.
The application, filed by the Inspector General of Police, named the Regent of Osenase, Boakye Obeng Asafo Agyei, and three others as respondents.
In its supporting affidavit, the Police cited an ongoing dispute between two rival factions in Osenase involving the Regent and the Queen Mother, Obaapanin Acheampomaa.
The Police also told the court that the West Akim Municipal Assembly’s Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC), in a letter dated September 7, 2026, had informed the Regent of a temporary ban on development and social activities organised directly by either faction as part of efforts to ease tensions and safeguard security.
The Police argued that proceeding with the event without the required notice could threaten peace and security in Osenase and surrounding communities.
It also cited limited personnel to respond to any violence that might arise.
The respondents opposed the application, asking the court to dismiss it while disputing the alleged chieftaincy dispute and security threat.
