The leadership of the Nungua Traditional Council made a bold move on Wednesday night as they stormed the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.
Their mission? To demand the release of their 16-year-old queen mother, Naa Ayemuede, who is currently under state protection.
This protection was put in place following a betrothal ceremony between the young queen and a 63-year-old priest. The council members firmly believe that their queen mother is being held at the hotel and are demanding her immediate release in order to perform some customary rites.
The protesters, which included queens, queen mothers, priests, youth, and leaders of the Traditional Council, numbered in the hundreds. They expressed their frustration with the lack of action from relevant government agencies, such as the Gender Ministry and Chieftaincy Ministry, in securing the release of Naa Ayemuede. Despite promises from these agencies, the protesters claimed that no progress had been made in releasing the 16-year-old girl.
Jaasetse Nii Ayi Anakonte spoke out, calling on President Nana Akufo-Addo to intervene in the matter. He asserted that investigations had not revealed any breaches of the country’s laws, and therefore, the girl should be released to her people.
The protesters emphasized their commitment to stay at the hotel until their queen mother was set free, as they had important traditions to uphold.
