By King Amoah, Kumasi.
,A dramatic scene unfolded at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Monday morning February 14th 2025, as His Royal Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, formally destooled Nana Kusi Bayie II, the chief of Ohwimhene, a town situated along the Kumasi-Barrekese road.
The unprecedented action was taken following a multitude of serious accusations leveled against the Ohwimhene, including bribery, the illegal sale of cemetery lands, bearing false witness, promoting illegal mining activities, and exploiting the Asantehene’s name for personal gains.
The catalyst for the investigation stemmed from a protracted land dispute involving occupational rights on a portion of land at Ohwim. This land, according to historical accounts, had been granted by Otumfuo himself to immigrants from Denkyira in the Central region many years ago.
However, conflicting claims of ownership surfaced, ultimately leading to the matter being brought before the Asantehene for adjudication.
According to palace sources, Ohwimhene, despite knowing the rightful occupants of the land, allegedly stalled the proceedings for months, repeatedly claiming illness and requesting delays to seek medical attention. He promised to appear before Otumfuo and testify truthfully upon his return.
Upon his eventual appearance before the Asantehene on Monday, the true extent of the accusations against Ohwimhene began to emerge. Investigations revealed that he allegedly demanded a Ghc 6,000 bribe from the Denkyira immigrants, falsely claiming that Asantehene Osei Tutu II had seized all his lands and that he could not stand as a witness for them without the payment.
Overwhelmed by the evidence, Ohwimhene admitted to the offense.
Adding further weight to the accusations, members of Ohwimhene’s own family testified against him, detailing how Nana Kusi Bayie II had allegedly sold off all the town’s cemetery lands for personal enrichment. He was also accused of actively encouraging illegal mining (galamsey) within his jurisdiction, profiting from the illicit activities.
Witnesses further alleged that Nana Kusi Bayie II repeatedly abused the Asantehene’s name to extort money from people under false pretenses. Faced with the mounting evidence, Ohwimhene offered little in the way of defense, essentially confirming his lack of discipline and unsuitability to lead the community of Ohwim.
The symbolic act of removing his sandals at Manhyia Palace signified his formal destoolment from the Ohwim stool. Asantehene Osei Tutu II expressed profound disappointment at the Ohwimhene’s misconduct, stating that he had repeatedly advised him to uphold high standards as a chief, work diligently, and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
Sadly, the Ohwimhene disregarded this counsel with contempt, culminating in his removal from the throne solely as a result of his own actions.
The destoolment of Ohwimhene serves as a stark warning against corruption, abuse of authority, and disrespect for traditional values. It underscores the Asantehene’s unwavering commitment to integrity and justice within his kingdom and sends a clear message that such transgressions will not be tolerated.
