IGP Hails Otumfuo as “King Solomon of Our Time” During Historic Visit
By: Isaac Boamah Darko
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has lauded the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the modern-day incarnation of the biblical King Solomon, extolling his sagacity, forbearance and seminal role in cultivating peace and national concord.
The commendation came during a rare and emblematic visit by the Asantehene to Police Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, a symbolic engagement that underscored the continuing salience of traditional authority in Ghana’s security architecture. Observers said the meeting reaffirmed the robust partnership between the Ghana Police Service and customary institutions in preserving unity and stability.
Mr Yohuno highlighted Otumfuo’s equanimous demeanour, moral gravitas and profound probity, noting that these qualities have been pivotal in resolving some of Ghana’s most protracted and delicate conflicts. He emphasised that the Asantehene’s approach to mediation — underpinned by conciliatory discourse, patience and respect for all stakeholders — has repeatedly restored calm to areas long beset by tension.
The IGP specifically cited the Asantehene’s intercessory role in the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse, describing it as a pivotal arbitration that reconstituted peace after decades of division. He also referenced interventions in Yendi and ongoing endeavours to ameliorate the entrenched Bawku dispute, observing that such initiatives have significantly complemented the work of the police and other security agencies.
“Your exceptional mediation skills, which have restored peace in numerous conflicts across our nation, compel me to describe you as the King Solomon of our time,” Mr Yohuno said, drawing applause from senior officers and dignitaries at the event.
He added that communities made peaceful by traditional leadership allow the police to concentrate on proactive law enforcement rather than crisis containment, thereby bolstering operational effectiveness and public confidence in state security institutions.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has long been recognised, both domestically and internationally, for his statesmanship and conciliatory expertise. Many analysts regard his interventions as instrumental to Ghana’s reputation as a stable and peaceful nation within the sub-region.