Multiple sale of lands: Otumfuo threatens to destool Kwaprahene if he fails to appear before him in two weeks
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has issued a two-week ultimatum to the chief of Kwapra in the Suame municipality, Baffour Adu Gyamfi Kumanin to appear before him in two weeks to answer charges of multiple sale of lands or face destoolment.
His Majesty added that in the event of the embattled chief failing to respond to his summons, the elders of the town who aided him to avoid appearance will also be destooled.
Otumfuo , who gave the warning at the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi said he would no more countenance excuses from the Kwaprahene.
Great Oath
One of the accusers of the chief, invoked the Great Oath of the Asantehene, which led to the matter being brought before the Asantehene’s court for hearing.
Untruths
On Friday, October 20, 3023, when Otumfuo was to sit on the matter, the chief was not present even though an invitation was sent to him. Some of the elders of the town informed Otumfuo that Nana Kumanin was indisposed.
But, Otumfuo would not take the excuse, saying it was a deliberate ploy to evade appearance before him.
He said on occasions that he invited the chief, the elders said he was indisposed but added that all the elders and the chief know the issue at stake.
“I warned that the chief has a case to answer. You the elders know it and you’re helping him to perpetrate such wrongdoing. “ He knows why I am looking for him. Wherever he is, on that day, he has to make himself available before me. Failure to do that will compel me to take back my stool, “Otumfuo stated.
Otumfuo hailed
Otumfuo’s directive has drawn comments from a number of Ghanaians who praised him for his directives. Kwadwo Adu Obeng said, “Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is changing chieftaincy issues with proper traditions and culture.”
Nana Kwabena Odena Yeboah stated, “ Seriously, it’s really good to have such a King” while, Yakubu Jam said, “The show of traditional power and authority. Long live the Ashanti kingdom and the Asantehene.”
Nana Yaw Kumkuma posited, “The chiefs double selling lands anyhow should be checked. Thank you great king .
Amankwa Desmond said, “Long live the King. Long live the Asante Kingdom. God bless Asanteman and continue to make our nation great and stronger.
Destoolments
This year, the Asantehene has destooled some chiefs over multiple sale of lands.
On May 29, 2023, the King destooled the 96-year-old Antoahene , Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman, over a number of charges including multiple sale of land. Then on August 21, 2023, the Asantehene destooled the chief of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe district of the Ashanti Region, Nana Kwaku Duah III for illegally selling lands in the area.
In another case, the King destooled the Chief of Aduamoa due to his involvement in multiple unauthorised land sales and other acts of misconduct.