THE Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned chiefs under his authority that they face imminent destoolment, if they sell lands entrusted into their care to multiple developers.
He further indicated that the members of the lineage of royals found culpable of disposing lands to multiple developers would never have the opportunity to be installed as chiefs.
At a meeting of the Asanteman Council in Kumasi, Otumfuo explained that multiple sale of lands did not only create disputes, but also led to tension and undermined sustainable peace and tranquillity.
The meeting coincided with the visit to Manhyia Palace by journalists who covered the United Nations International World Tourism Conference in Ghana.
As part of the celebration, the journalists, mostly from European countries, visited the palace to witness at first-hand how disputes are settled in the traditional way.
After paying homage to the Asantehene and presenting some drinks as custom demanded, the journalists interacted with a section of the people and posed with them for photographs.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu pointed out that chiefs should serve as role models in their respective communities and be the embodiment of honesty and truth in all their dealings and should not use their positions to amass wealth.
He stated that the illegal sale of land was totally against the traditions, customs and norms of the Ashantis.
He expressed concern about the lack of transparency in land transactions in the region and that because of corruption in land transactions, some chiefs did not write the names of their sub-chiefs on their allocation papers, but only forged signatures to enable them to carry out their dubious activities.
The Asantehene said such transactions made it impossible to trace the signatories whenever there was any dispute.
He therefore advised chiefs in the region to involve their sub-chiefs in all land transactions to avoid disputes, tension and violence in their communities.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu also expressed concern about traditional rulers who fanned disputes by deliberately distorting facts.
“Some chiefs appointed to be on committees to settle disputes in the region sometimes condone and connive with some litigants to distort facts, making it very difficult for such disputes to be settled on time. The delays mostly create tension and undermine sustainable development,” he added.
He said in future chiefs appointed to settle disputes would be bound by time to submit the results of their recommendation to reduce tension.
He advised prospective chiefs who would be on such committees to be honest and truthful in their transactions and avoid being influenced by any part
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