Assembly Member, 14 Others Arrested Over Palace Vandalism
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 15 suspects, including an Assembly Member, in connection with the vandalism of the Besease Palace following disturbances during the funeral rites of the late queen mother of Hiawu Besease, Nana Abena Moku.
The violence occurred during the March 12, 2026 funeral ceremony when some irate youth allegedly caused chaos, forcing police officers to intervene to restore calm.
Tensions reportedly escalated the following day after some residents stormed the Besease Palace and vandalised the palace and other properties. A police vehicle and an ambulance were also damaged during the incident.
The case, initially handled by the Abuakwa Police, was later transferred to the Ashanti Regional Police Command for further investigations.
Police say the 15 suspects currently in custody are assisting with investigations and will be processed for court.
Among those arrested are the Assembly Member for the Hiawu Electoral Area, Hon. Osei Tutu, some unit committee members, and other leading residents, including Emmanuel Asante, the Unit Committee Chairman for the Hiawu Besease Electoral Area.
Emmanuel Asante had earlier alleged that despite the heavy police presence during the funeral, no arrest was made after a separate shooting incident at the ceremony.
The shooting incident left a 19-year-old pregnant woman, Serwaa Alice, and a schoolgirl injured by stray bullets after a suspect allegedly fired sporadically into the air.
Alice was initially rushed to a nearby CHPS compound before being referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Doctors at the hospital have since performed surgery on her and removed the unborn baby, which reportedly died as a result of the gunshot injury.
The schoolgirl who was also hit by a stray bullet has reportedly been treated and discharged.
Residents are calling on the police to ensure that all persons involved in the violence, vandalism and shooting incidents are brought to justice.
