The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Abuontemhene of Kumasi Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Duah III, for illegally selling lands under his jurisdiction. The announcement came during a meeting convened at the Menhyia Palace on Monday, August 21, where the Kumasi Traditional Council gathered to address the issue. The decision to strip Nana Kwaku Duah III of his position as divisional chief was triggered by accusations brought forward by fellow subchiefs. The subchiefs accused him of not only disregarding the directives of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II but also of engaging in the sale of lands, including one that was under investigation and subject to a trespassing warning by Otumfuo.
The subchiefs presented a series of allegations including claims that he used Otumfuo’s name to gain approval for his activities on the land in question, despite the ongoing investigation. They further accused him of venturing into territory belonging to others and facilitating land sales without proper authorization. In response to the allegations, Nana Kwaku Duah III denied the specific accusation of using Otumfuo’s name as leverage for his actions.
However, he acknowledged his presence on the land but asserted that he allowed others to work on it with his permission. “With all due respect, Nana, I am not feeling well, I’m feeling dizzy now…but I am pleading because, to be honest, and to speak the truth, I have never stood anywhere before to claim that his Lordship has ruled over a matter in my favor, that is the exact truth I have never claimed that before, what I said to Nana Acheamfour is that, I permitted them to work on the land.” During the proceedings, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II gave the subchiefs the opportunity to share their opinions on the matter.
Unanimously, the subchiefs called for Nana Kwaku Duah III’s removal from his position due to his alleged disobedience and misconduct. In response, Otumfuo announced the decision to destool Nana Kwaku Duah III, emphasizing that his actions had violated his authority and orders. “For me saying that nobody should go to the said land and for you to go there, you have disrespected his lordship of which you can no longer remain a chief. Tell them for them to know that even sitting on that throne, you are not from the royal family,” Otumfuo said.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
