The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern warning to chiefs within the Ashanti Kingdom against employing land guards to protect lands under their authority, declaring that any chief found engaging in such unlawful practices will be destooled.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, the Asantehene described the use of land guards as both illegal and contrary to Asanteman’s traditional governance system.
“I will destool any chief who engages the services of land guards. They know very well that they have no such authority. When those lands were entrusted to them upon their enstoolment, I never instructed them to hire land guards to protect them. I did not grant them the power to employ people to use guns and harm others,” said Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Asantehene urged chiefs and individuals involved in land disputes to seek redress through the Manhyia Palace, emphasizing peaceful resolution over violence or the use of unauthorised security forces.
“If you have any land disputes with anyone, bring it before me, and we will resolve it amicably for peace to prevail,” he advised.
Otumfuo further stressed that the use of land guards undermines traditional authority and threatens public peace and safety across the region. His remarks align with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which explicitly prohibits the hiring or engagement of land guards and prescribes severe penalties for offenders.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
