Tensions have escalated in Worawora over the Akwantutenten Festival following allegations of violent police attacks, arrests of traditional leaders and the continued celebration by a faction reportedly restrained by a High Court injunction.
The latest development has raised concerns about public safety, respect for judicial authority and the conduct of security personnel amid a dispute over the organisation of the festival, scheduled for October 24 to November 1, 2026.
The concerns follow an interlocutory injunction granted by the High Court of Justice in Accra on October 19, 2026, restraining Mr Kwapong, known as Nana Sarffro Baah III, and Maame Abena Sarfoah Awerewa, the Worawora Hemaa, from convening, organising or advertising the festival during the specified period.
However, fresh information emerging from Worawora suggest that celebrations have continued despite the court order, while police officers are accused of arresting members of the traditional leadership and protecting the faction allegedly restrained by the injunction.
The allegations have prompted calls for urgent intervention to prevent further violence and protect residents.
Allegations of Police Violence and Arrests
Persons raising concerns over the situation allege that individuals from outside the town have been brought into Worawora under heavy police presence, with traditional leaders reportedly being targeted for arrest.
They further allege that the police are providing protection for the faction proceeding with the celebrations despite the injunction.
The claims have raised questions about the impartiality of the security response and whether the court’s directive is being enforced consistently against the parties involved in the dispute.
The allegations of bloody attacks and arrests have not been independently verified, and the police have yet to respond to the specific claims presented in the account of the latest developments.
Court Injunction at the Centre of the Dispute
The High Court, General Jurisdiction 5, granted the interlocutory injunction following an application filed on October 12, 2026, by three plaintiffs: Abusuapanin Osei Kwame, Obaapanin Ama Poku Nyarko and Nana Ama Anowaa Nyarko Boah.
The application, brought under Order 25 of C.I. 47, was supported by an affidavit sworn by the third plaintiff.
After hearing the application on October 19, the court ordered the defendants, their agents and assigns to refrain from convening, organising or advertising the festival between October 24 and November 1, 2026.
The order to enforce the injunction was to the IGP and copied other security agencies.
The injunction is an interim measure intended to preserve the parties’ positions while the underlying dispute remains before the court. It does not constitute a final determination of the substantive issues.
The precise circumstances surrounding the reported continuation of the celebrations, the service and enforcement of the order, and the arrests require clarification from the parties and the relevant authorities.
The developments have reignited concerns about the application of the rule of law and the protection of human rights, particularly where traditional authority, community interests and court orders intersect.
Those questioning the police response argue that the security agencies must demonstrate impartiality and ensure that their actions do not aggravate tensions or expose residents to further harm.
They are also demanding answers over why traditional leaders are allegedly being arrested while the faction reportedly restrained by the court continues with festival activities.
The situation raises an important question for the authorities: how can public confidence in the justice system be maintained if allegations of selective enforcement of court orders are left unanswered?
The police and judicial authorities are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and explain the measures being taken to ensure compliance with the injunction.
Urgent Call to Protect Lives
With tensions reportedly rising in Worawora, calls are mounting for urgent intervention to prevent further violence and protect residents, traditional leaders and other participants.
The immediate priority, according to those raising the alarm, should be to safeguard lives, de-escalate confrontations and ensure that all parties respect the court’s directive.
The police are also being urged to act professionally and impartially while addressing any alleged breaches of the peace.
As the dispute unfolds, the response of the security agencies and the parties involved will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be resolved peacefully and public confidence in the rule of law restored.
The police have not yet provided a response to the allegations of attacks, arrests and selective enforcement contained in the account of the latest developments.
