Kotwi Chief, Nana Asare Asiedu Kotwi, has been destooled over his repeated defiance of orders from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The chief had violated a crucial directive by demolishing a fence wall surrounding a sacred forest, a symbol of their forefathers’ legacy meant to ward off encroachment.
Nana Kwadwo Amoah Ampem Okogyeabour, the Executive Director for Corruption Combat International, shed light on the reasons behind the destoolment. He explained that the orders came directly from Otumfour Osei Tutu himself, emphasizing the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the Ashanti kingdom.
The chief’s refusal to heed the directives, despite repeated warnings, led to his downfall. It became evident that he considered himself above the authority of the king and the sacred traditions of the Ashanti people.
In Kotwi, it is the head of the family who holds the ultimate authority over community lands, as dictated by centuries-old customs. Any chief who dares to disrespect the throne and the sacred Golden Stool, the emblem of Ashanti unity, faces the consequences of destoolment.
Nana Ampem Okogyeabour warned that autocratic chiefs who flout tradition and disrespect the throne will not be tolerated. The message was clear: in the Ashanti kingdom, the reverence for tradition and the authority of the king are paramount, and those who dare to challenge them will face the repercussions.