The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern warning to Chiefs within the Ashanti Kingdom, declaring that he will destool any chief found engaging the services of land guards to protect lands under their care.
Speaking in the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a courtesy call by DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, the recently appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, the Asantehene emphasised that the deployment of land guards is illegal and inconsistent with Asanteman’s traditional governance structure.
“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,” Asantehene cautioned.
Instead of using violence or unapproved security measures, he suggested that any person or chief concerned in land conflicts bring their concerns before the Manhyia Palace for a peaceful resolution.
“If you have any land disputes with anyone, bring it before me, and we will resolve it amicably, for peace to prevail,” he said.
The Asantehene emphasised that such actions jeopardise regional peace and public safety in addition to violating traditional authority.
His warning coincides with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which makes the deployment of land guards expressly illegal and sets harsh penalties on persons or organisations that participate in or encourage such illicit acts.
NKONKONSA.com
