Case Explained: Aligning culture with law key to crime prevention — Asantehene – Legal Perspective

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has emphasized that effective crime prevention begins when cultural values and legal systems work hand in hand.

He said communities where culture is strong make law enforcement more effective, while societies that neglect cultural values place the burden entirely on the police.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks on Tuesday, January 6, during a landmark visit to the national police headquarters in Accra.

The visit, which included a ceremonial parade of officers, the king commended the Ghana Police Service for its dedication to protecting citizens.

He highlighted the long-standing collaboration between traditional authorities and law enforcement.

“Before courts were built, disputes were settled, before statutes were written, wrong was already understood. Custom was the first law. Culture was the first constitution. It taught restraint before punishment, responsibility before rights, and harmony before victory,” he said.

“Culture without law becomes nostalgia, beautiful stories with no teeth. Law without culture becomes false, effective but brittle. One shapes the heart, the other restrains the hand,” the Asantehene added.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II called for closer collaboration between the police and traditional authorities to build safer communities, calling for officers to be trained on understanding local customs and fostering dialogue before confrontation.

He also urged the service to uphold integrity and political neutrality while maintaining discipline and public trust.