The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has paid a historic visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at the National Police Headquarters in Accra.
The visit, which took place on January 6, 2026, marked the first time the Asantehene has officially visited the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, underscoring efforts to deepen collaboration between traditional authorities and law enforcement.
The event was attended by high-ranking police officers, members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), former Inspectors-General of Police, and several traditional rulers from Accra and across the country.
As part of the ceremony, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was invited to inspect an all-female police guard of honour.
He proceeded to take his seat on the Asantehene’s Royal Chair, which had been specially transported to the Police Headquarters for the occasion.
Delivering his address, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno described the visit as unprecedented and deeply symbolic.
“It is with profound honour, humility and great national pride that we welcome his majesty, the Asantehene and his entourage to the Ghana Police Headquarters today. Words alone cannot fully express the joy and privilege we feel in witnessing and hosting the great Asante Kingdom on this historic visit.”
“This gesture is not only symbolic, it is unprecedented. A moment that would be engraved permanently in the institutional membrane of the Ghana Police Service, and of our nation’s security architecture.”
The IGP recalled the Asantehene’s long-standing relationship with the Police Service, noting that Otumfuo had hosted several IGPs and police leadership over the years.
“I recall that you have hosted several Inspectors General of Police and Police leadership over the years, offering council guidance and encouragement with doors always open to us.”
He praised the Asantehene’s mediation efforts, describing him as a “King Solomon of our time,” and expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen cooperation nationwide.
“Your visit today will deepen cooperation between the Ghana Police Service and the Traditional Authorities across the country, not only within the Ashanti Kingdom, but nationwide.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his address, said the visit was significant and expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the ceremonial honours accorded him.
“Manhyia has been pleased to enjoy a productive working relationship with the Ghana Police Service over the years but this is the first time we have had the opportunity of visiting what I will call the engine room or the heartbeat of the service, thanks to the initiative and kind invitation of our son the Inspector General of Police.”
“We are deeply humbled by the extraordinary courtesies extended to us this morning. Watching the ladies parade, I thought I should have worn my Police dress to be here. I plead of the IGP to give me a police dress so next time when I come I can be a policeman.”
Otumfuo noted that the honour extended beyond him personally and represented respect for traditional leadership across Ghana.
“This honour is not intended to me alone but duly shared with the entire community of traditional rulers who are the guardians of culture.”
He stressed that the visit was not merely ceremonial but intended to open a new chapter of collaboration between the two institutions.
“This is not a routine or a mere ceremonial visit, it is intended to be a landmark event, marking a moment in history where two ancient responsibilities meet to begin a momentous conversation, the guardianship of values and the enforcement of law.”
Otumfuo explained that although traditional leadership and the police operate differently, both institutions share a common purpose.
He said both exist for one task, the preservation of order, dignity and peace in society.
“We hope the conversation we begin today will culminate in some institutional arrangement which should guarantee effective and respectful collaboration.”
The Asantehene further urged the Police Service to uphold its core values and protect the integrity of the uniform, and further warned against political interference.
“I also hope that you will work towards making the service politically neutral. There will always be one government responsible for the State of Ghana, and as the Police Service of the state you’re sworn to be unalloyed in your loyalty to the government, but there must be a line drawn between the government and a political party.”
Otumfuo commended the personnel assembled at the headquarters and expressed confidence in the Police Service.
“When I survey the agile men and women assembled before me today, I’m filled with confidence that you are up to any challenge that the year may throw out.”
He also praised the IGP’s leadership, commending him for steering the service with “firmness, fairness and foresight.”
They then proceeded to a closed door meeting to discuss some national and security issues.
