IGP Recalls B/A Police Commander...Over Tuobodom/Techiman Issue

Reports reaching peacefmonline.com say the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Commander, DCOP Seth Oteng, has been re-called to the Police Headquarters in Accra. His recall, according to sources, follows a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Paul Tawiah Quaye. Peacefmonline is reliably informed that his recall is connection with his handling of the conflict between the chiefs of Tuobodom and Techiman. Tuobodom is embroiled in protracted chieftaincy dispute which often results in violence. The town has two chiefs, Nana Baffour Asare who pays allegiance to the Asantehene, whilst the other, Barima Obeng Ameyaw II pays allegiance to the Techimanhene. On March 5, fighting broke out after Nana Asare was allegedly kidnapped by supporters of Oseadeeyo Ameyaw and handed over to the Police. Three people died and several others, including a policeman were injured. Nana Asare and his secretary have appeared before court on charges of abetment to commit murder. The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II vehemently protested the mode of the arrest of Nana Asare and issued an ultimatum to government to make a choice between him (Asantehene) and Techimanhene. The Asantehene also threatened that if action is not taken by the appropriate quarters he will kidnap the Techimanhene if he dares pass through Kumasi. Otumfuo Osei-Tutu further called for the dismissal of the Brong Ahafo Regional Police Commander and the Regional Minister for exhibiting incompetence and allowing the issue to degenerate. Following this, a high-powered government delegation on a fact finding mission and led by Brigadier Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, National Security Adviser, held closed-door meeting with both the Asantehene and Techimanhene to discuss the violence at Tuobodom following the alleged kidnapping of Nana Baffour Asare II. Less than 48 hours after that meeting, the National Security Advisor is reported by �Daily Guide�, to have said that the government and the National security were utterly unaware about what transpired between the Techimanhene, Nana Ameyaw Akumfi and the Omanhene of Tuobodom, Nana Baffour Asare, about 11 days ago. According to the newspaper, the National Security Advisor, his outfit and government were ignorant about the security lapses in the unfortunate face-off between the two chiefs because they were misinformed by the security detail in charge of the region. Interestingly, Minister for Information, Hon. John Tia, is also reported to have said in an interview on CitiFM, an Accra-based private radio station, that the government was adequately informed and assured by the security services about the developing situation in Tuobodom. He added however, that he suspects National security was not rightly informed about the situation which eventually led to the skirmishes in Tuobodom. Peacefmonline sources within the police hierarchy say it is as a result of these security lapses and inaction that has compelled the IGP to recall DCOP Seth Oteng from the Brong Ahafo Region as Police Commander.