Culture Must Work with Law
The historic visit of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to the Ghana Police Service Headquarters yesterday went beyond a symbolic engagement; it was a timely national reflection on the foundations of peace, order, and security in Ghanaian society.
In his address, the Asantehene emphasized that culture must work hand-in-hand with law enforcement. He noted that no society can rely solely on policing when its moral compass has collapsed, highlighting the enduring role of values nurtured within homes, families, and communities.
“Culture teaches responsibility before rights, restraint before punishment, and harmony before conflict,” he said. These principles, he argued, prevent crime long before the sound of a police siren is heard.
Historically, Ghanaian societies maintained order through shared values, customs, and traditional authority long before modern policing emerged. Moral and communal sanctions, along with shame, honour, and respect for elders, served as powerful deterrents. The erosion of these values has placed significant pressure on the Ghana Police Service to compensate for what culture once enforced naturally.
Otumfuo’s call for deeper collaboration between traditional authorities and the Police Service is therefore both logical and necessary. Chiefs, as custodians of culture, command respect within their communities. When properly engaged, they can play a critical role in intelligence gathering, dispute resolution, and community policing. Likewise, police officers who understand local customs are better positioned to enforce laws with sensitivity, fairness, and legitimacy.
The Asantehene also addressed public concerns about police conduct, stressing that trust is the currency of effective policing. Allegations of corruption, abuse of power, or political interference, whether real or perceived, weaken public cooperation and embolden criminality. He called for the reinforcement of professional values instilled during police training and strict political neutrality.
Inspector General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, described the visit as unprecedented and of great national significance. He recognized the influence of indigenous justice systems on modern policing, underscoring that African governance models should not be dismissed as outdated.
Otumfuo’s proven role in peacebuilding, from Dagbon to Bawku, demonstrates how traditional leadership, exercised with wisdom and neutrality, can complement state institutions and strengthen national security.
In a world increasingly marked by social fragmentation and insecurity, Ghana’s reputation as a peaceful nation remains one of its greatest assets. Preserving this status requires more than laws and uniforms; it demands a collective recommitment to values that promote discipline, respect, and communal responsibility.
The message from Manhyia is clear: culture and law are not rivals but partners. When culture is strong, the law is respected; when the law is fair, culture thrives. National peace will be sustained not by force alone, but by a society that remembers who it is, what it stands for, and how it chooses to live together.
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