Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the Chief of Ohwim, bringing an end to his 16-year tenure after a series of serious allegations were leveled against him.

The decision came after a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on February 24, 2025, where Nana Kusi Baaye II was found guilty of multiple offenses, including desecrating the Great Oath, extortion, illegal land sales, and illegal mining activities.

Central to the case was the chief’s violation of the Great Oath, a solemn vow of truthfulness made to the Asantehene. Nana Kusi Baaye II was accused of giving false testimony in a chieftaincy dispute involving the village of Adede, after demanding a bribe of GHC6,000 to testify in favor of one party. Despite knowing the rightful owners of the stool, he stood before the Asantehene and gave his support to the opposing side after accepting payment.

The allegations against Nana Kusi Baaye II were compounded by testimony from other community members. His sister, Akosua Nyame, accused him of contempt for the Great Oath, citing an incident where he made dismissive remarks after she invoked the oath to stop his illicit sale of lands, including cemetery land intended for royals.

Further accusations came from Dwumakye Baapanin, a royal, who alleged that the chief had falsely claimed Otumfuo had granted him land, which he then proceeded to sell. A former Biemso Dikro also testified against him, claiming that Nana Kusi Baaye II had seized land from the King in the name of a solar project, only to use it for illegal mining, which ultimately destroyed the land.

The Chief was also accused of neglecting his traditional duties, including refusing to perform rituals for the stools, claiming his conversion to Christianity exempted him. Additionally, there were claims that Nana Kusi Baaye II had caused unrest by obstructing the burial of the Asikasuhene, who had been unable to be laid to rest for five years due to the chief’s actions.

As the evidence mounted, the Council unanimously called for Nana Kusi Baaye II’s destoolment. In his ruling, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the severity of the chief’s violations, particularly the desecration of the Great Oath, which he deemed unacceptable.

“You took money and testified falsely after swearing to be truthful with the Great Oath,” Otumfuo said. “Many have sacrificed to protect the Golden Stool, and I will not allow you to destroy it.”

In a further move, Otumfuo reinstated the former Biemso Dikro to his position and annulled the enstoolment of his successor.

The Asantehene’s ruling marks a significant moment in the governance of the Ashanti Kingdom, highlighting his commitment to upholding traditional values and ensuring accountability within the royal hierarchy.

Source:TheDotNews