Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has delivered a strong message to Chiefs within the Asante Kingdom, emphasizing his readiness to destool any Chief found engaging the services of landguards or involved in illegal mining activities.
This announcement was made during the first meeting of the Asanteman Council following the completion of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s enstoolment as the Asantehene. Addressing the assembled Chiefs and Queen Mothers, Otumfuo underscored his commitment to maintaining law and order within the Kingdom.
The practice of employing landguards, characterized by the use of thugs by alleged landowners to perpetrate violence and extort money from land purchasers, has been noted as a growing concern in the Asante Region. Historically, this practice has been primarily associated with the Greater Accra and parts of the Central Region. However, its recent emergence within the Asante Kingdom has prompted the Asantehene to take decisive action.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II reiterated that all lands within the Asante Kingdom are his sole property, and that Chiefs are appointed merely as overseers on his behalf. He declared that any Chief found engaging landguards will be deemed unfit for their role and subsequently destooled. Additionally, he issued a clear warning regarding the involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, stating that Chiefs implicated in such activities will face the same fate.
“The phenomenon of landguards is alien to the Asante Region, and it is unacceptable for this practice to take root here. Any Chief who engages in this unlawful activity or is involved in illegal mining will not be spared. Our lands must be managed with integrity and respect for the rule of law,” Otumfuo stated emphatically.
The Asantehene’s directive is aimed at preserving the sanctity of the Asante Kingdom’s lands and ensuring that they are utilized for the collective benefit of the people. His firm stance against these illegal activities reflects his dedication to upholding the traditions and values of the Asante Kingdom while promoting sustainable development and peace within the region.
The Asanteman Council, comprising Chiefs and Queen Mothers, has been urged to heed this warning and work collaboratively to eradicate the practices of employing landguards and engaging in illegal mining. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s message serves as a clarion call for all Chiefs to align with his vision of a prosperous and law-abiding Asante Kingdom.
Content by: Emmanuel Frimpong
