The Kwantene Traditional Council in the Goaso Municipality of the Ahafo Region has enacted a significant measure aimed at stabilizing the community: a complete ban on the sale and commercial distribution of akpeteshie within the township. This decision, announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, follows a period of escalating concerns regarding disturbances, alcohol-related disputes, and alleged desecration of sacred communal water bodies linked to the unchecked proliferation of the locally produced gin. The Council’s stance is rooted in a growing apprehension about the detrimental impact these activities are having on the overall peace and order within Kwantene.
The Traditional Council’s declaration follows a lengthy deliberation, culminating in a formal directive issued by Chief Nana Baffour Awuah Diasempa, the Chief of Kwantene. This directive, delivered in a letter dated August 12, 2026, explicitly prohibits open sale and commercial distribution of akpeteshie throughout the township until further notice. The Chief emphasized the Council’s commitment to restoring order and safeguarding the sanctity of traditional communal spaces, a sentiment reflecting a desire to preserve the integrity of the community’s sacred heritage.
The directive doesn’t, however, encompass a blanket prohibition on all alcoholic beverages or restrict other forms of commercial activity within Kwantene. Instead, the Council’s focus remains squarely on mitigating the negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and related disturbances. Nana Baffour Awuah Diasempa underscored the decision’s collaborative nature, stating it was reached in consultation with the Queen Mother of Goaso and, crucially, with the Goasohemaa, as part of a broader effort to address the situation and foster reconciliation. The Council is actively seeking formal authorization from the Ghana Police Service, specifically the Municipal Police Commander, to facilitate enforcement of this restriction.
The Council’s request for the Goaso Municipal Assembly’s endorsement is a critical component of their strategy. They are seeking this approval to grant the Police Service the necessary authority and institutional support to monitor compliance and enforce this prohibition effectively. The mechanism behind this request involves the Police Service’s desire to gain a more robust and proactive monitoring capability, ensuring that the restrictions are consistently applied. The Council believes that securing this institutional backing is essential for achieving lasting stability and preventing further escalation of tensions within the community. The decision comes after a period of increasing vigilance and a heightened awareness of the potential risks posed by the unchecked distribution of akpeteshie. The long-term implications of this restriction remain to be fully assessed, but the Council’s actions represent a significant step toward a more peaceful and secure future for Kwantene.
The full statement is available on the Traditional Council’s official website.
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Source: Adom Online
