The Residents of Adumakase Kese in the Ashanti Region have called on the Asante Kingdom to intervene over what they describe as wrongful conduct and abuse of authority by the Paramount Chief of Adumakase Kese, Nana Asenso Kofo Ababio.
The residents, who staged a peaceful gathering on Monday, said they can no longer remain silent over issues they allege have stalled development and created tension in the community.
Allegations of Land Seizure and Unlawful Sales
According to community members, the Paramount Chief has been reclaiming lands belonging to individuals and families and subsequently selling them for personal gain.
“Many of us have farmlands and plots that have been in our families for generations. But now, the Chief is taking them back and selling them to other people without our consent,” one resident alleged.
The residents claim the practice has left several families without land and has also discouraged investors who would have contributed to development in the area.
Burial Dispute Raises Further Concerns
Residents also raised concerns over a separate incident involving the burial of a chief from the area.
According to one resident, the body of the deceased chief remains in the mortuary because Nana Asenso Kofo Ababio has allegedly refused to grant permission for burial rites to be performed.
“The Chief he came to meet is still lying in the mortuary because he said he won’t let them bury him,” the resident said. “We don’t understand why this is happening. It is against our customs.”
The claim could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
“We Have Been Left Out of Development”
Beyond the land and burial disputes, the residents said Adumakase Kese has been sidelined when it comes to development projects.
“We have been left out of any development,” another resident stated. “Our roads are bad, we don’t have proper support for schools and health facilities, and yet we keep hearing that money is being made from our lands.”
The residents said they are appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Asanteman Council to investigate the matter and restore peace and order in the traditional area.
Call for Investigation
Community leaders who addressed the gathering said their action was not intended to disrespect the institution of chieftaincy, but to seek justice and fairness.
“We respect our culture and the stool. But when things are not right, we must speak,” one elder said. “We are asking the Kingdom to look into these matters so that Adumakase Kese can move forward in peace.”
Response Awaited
Efforts to reach Nana Asenso Kofo Ababio for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The Juaben Traditional Council, under which Adumakase Kese falls, is yet to issue an official statement on the allegations.
The residents say they hope the Asante Kingdom will set up a committee to investigate the claims and address their grievances.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
