The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has lamented the impunity with which some traditional leaders in Kumasi are snatching lands from owners over expired leases.
Addressing the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) at a meeting in Manhyia Palace Kumasi, Otumfuo warned Kumasi traditional leaders to stop cheating Kumasi residents with their authority.
The furious Asantehene, speaking through his linguist Baffour Kentenkrankyi, condemned Amakomhene and his sub-Chief Abontenghene and warned his Abontenghene, who has been questioning his authority on land issues, to take care lest he be called to the palace to explain his authority over lands issues in their traditional area.
“When you ascended to the Amakom stool the old woman was living on the land since 1942 so even if the lease has expired there is a clear law for lease renewal. There was Amakomhene before you. So you are the only wise person to eject the old woman. Don’t you feel worried for this old woman you treated this way. What money are you looking for and disregarding traditional rules on lease management? ’’ Otumfuo questioned.
Otumfuo He also condemned Nana Apagyahene, Nana Owusu Afriyie IV, calling him “Pagyaso moamoaso” (if you can’t do the land job, please tell me). Why must i be redressing issues when you are there? You are responsible for that because there are clear regulations that prohibit any chief from claiming any land or property from its owner after the lease expires.
Otumfuo revealed he is losing trust in Kumasi’s traditional chiefs because of the way they are handling business without his direct involvement while speaking to them about lease challenges.
Otumfuo in his final ruling directed Nana Apagyahene to send surveyors to the land and divide the said land into three one should be given to Amakomhene Nana Adu Mensah Asare, the remaining two including his(Asantehene) share should be given back to the woman for peace to prevail.
