Asantehene Vows to Destool Chiefs Who Employ Land Guards
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern warning to chiefs in the Ashanti Region: any traditional ruler found hiring or using land guards will face destoolment. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the new Ashanti Regional Police Commander at Manhyia Palace, Otumfuo stressed that employing armed thugs to enforce land claims is both illegal and against the customs of Asanteman.
The paramount chief made it clear that the authority over stool lands does not grant chiefs the right to use intimidation or force against others. “I will destool any chief who engages land guards. They know very well that they have no such authority,” he warned. He added that any chief implicated by security investigations would not only face traditional sanctions but also possible criminal prosecution under Ghanaian law.
This pronouncement comes amid ongoing concerns about the growing use of land guards across the region. Otumfuo aligned his position with the provisions of Ghana’s Land Act (Act 1036), which criminalizes the use of force, coercion, or intimidation to unlawfully control land. Violators can face fines and prison terms, meaning chiefs who employ land guards risk both legal and customary consequences.
The Asantehene encouraged chiefs and the public to resolve disputes through traditional channels and palace-sanctioned mechanisms rather than resorting to violence. “All land issues must follow proper procedures; no one is above the law, not even a chief,” he said, reiterating the importance of accountability.
To enforce this directive, the Manhyia Palace has set up a committee in collaboration with security agencies to investigate the presence of land guards in Asanteman. Chiefs found complicit will face swift action, he added. The Asantehene also warned that chiefs involved in illegal mining and other security threats would face similar punitive measures.
Reaction among local leaders and residents has been largely supportive. Many see the warning as necessary to restore order and public confidence in land administration and protect citizens and investors from violent disputes. Observers say the dual threat of destoolment and criminal prosecution underscores that neither traditional authority nor local influence can shield chiefs who employ land guards.
The Asantehene’s intervention comes at a time when Ghana continues to grapple with violent land disputes and rising concerns over the use of hired security personnel to enforce ownership claims. His firm stance reinforces both the rule of law and traditional accountability, sending a clear message that land guards will no longer be tolerated in Asanteman.
Chiefs are now urged to refer all land disputes to the palace or security authorities and to cooperate fully with investigations. Otumfuo’s declaration emphasizes that peaceful dispute resolution is the only acceptable route for handling conflicts over land.
Source: Thepressradio.com
