Ghana Police and Prisons Service Respond to Death of Awutu Odupong Chief and Manhunt for Escaped Inmate Peter Kyeremeh

The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Prisons Service have been placed on high alert following a series of high-profile criminal developments, including the mysterious death of a traditional ruler and the escape of a convict from lawful custody. In the Awutu Odupong Traditional Area, the death of the overlord, Nai Awoshie Tetteh, has sparked a major investigation after his remains were allegedly concealed. Meanwhile, prison authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt for Peter Kyeremeh, a 29-year-old inmate who successfully fled from confinement while serving a five-year sentence for theft and unlawful entry.

The investigation into the death of Nai Awoshie Tetteh has already resulted in the apprehension of two suspects, Daniel Awer and Chris Banahene. According to the Homicide Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the arrests were made in connection with the alleged concealment of the chief's body, which was only discovered following specialized police intervention. The circumstances surrounding the traditional ruler's passing remain under close scrutiny, as his significant role within the community has heightened public interest and demands for transparency regarding the cause of death and the motives behind the attempt to hide his remains.

Simultaneously, the Ghana Prisons Service is appealing to the general public for assistance in recapturing Peter Kyeremeh. Described as fair in complexion and slim in stature, Kyeremeh was serving time for his involvement in unlawful entry and stealing before his escape. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the individual to the nearest police station or to contact the Prisons Service directly via their emergency hotline. The escape has raised questions regarding security protocols at correctional facilities, particularly concerning inmates serving multi-year sentences.

In a separate incident highlighting concerns over vigilante justice and community-led punishment, a disturbing video has gone viral on social media platforms, showing the public flogging of a young man. The footage, which surfaced on August 16, 2026, depicts local residents and an unidentified man assaulting the individual for allegedly engaging in an affair with a married woman. The victim was seen being tied to a pillar with a rope, an act that has drawn sharp criticism from netizens and human rights advocates who are calling for legal action against the perpetrators of the assault.

These collective incidents underscore a busy period for Ghanaian law enforcement as they navigate complex traditional issues, custodial security, and the rise of social-media-documented vigilantism. As the Homicide Unit continues its probe into the Awutu Odupong case and the search for Kyeremeh intensifies, officials are stressing the importance of the rule of law. They have cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that both the concealment of a body and the administration of unauthorized physical punishment are serious offenses that will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.