Asantehene destools Ohwim Chief over galamsey

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has officially destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the chief of Ohwim in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, ending his 16-year reign. This decision follows multiple charges against him, including violating the Great Oath, extortion, illegal land sales, and involvement in illegal mining.

During a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council on Monday, February 24, 2025, Nana Kusi Baaye II was found guilty of these offenses, prompting the Asantehene to order his immediate removal from office.

The primary charge that led to his destoolment was the desecration of the Great Oath. Additional accusations were brought forward by Dikro, including false witnessing. The chief had been asked to testify in a chieftaincy dispute involving the rightful owners of the stool. Despite knowing the true owners, he demanded ¢6,000 to testify in their favor, while also accepting money from the opposing party and testifying on their behalf. The Asantehene recognized this misconduct and exposed the wrongdoing, finding that the chief violated both his oath of office and the witness vow tied to the Great Oath.

In her testimony, his sister, Akosua Nyamesem, recalled how he made disrespectful remarks regarding the Great Oath after she invoked it three times to stop him from engaging in illegal land sales. She said he mocked the Oath, saying, “If the Great Oath has legs, let it come and arrest me.”

The chief also faced accusations of illegally selling lands designated for royals and chiefs. Dwumakye Baapanin, a witness, testified that Nana Kusi Baaye II falsely claimed that Otumfuo had granted him land in Dwumakye, which he subsequently sold in plots.

Additionally, the chief was accused of illegally mining on land at Biemso, which he had seized under the pretense of a solar project. Former Biemso Dikro testified that the land had been destroyed due to illegal mining activities.

The chief’s conduct was further scrutinized for his hostility toward local leaders, including his role in the destooling and torture of other traditional leaders. One witness recalled how Nana Kusi Baaye II ordered the burning of the Asikasuhene’s belongings, causing his death from distress, and obstructed his burial.

Another serious charge was that the chief neglected his responsibility to perform stool rites, citing his conversion to Christianity as the reason for not performing the required rituals. This neglect led to the stools being “starved” for some time.

A royal also accused Nana Kusi Baaye II of not being a true royal. The chief opposed a request for a woman to have her daughter enstooled as Queen on the vacant stool, asserting that her family was not eligible to ascend the stool. When the woman invoked the Great Oath, challenging his royal status, the chief refused to address it.

Following the allegations, the Kumasi Traditional Council unanimously called for his destoolment.

Verdict

In his ruling, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II condemned Nana Kusi Baaye II for violating the Great Oath, stating, “You took money and falsely testified after vowing to be truthful to me with the Great Oath. Do you deserve to occupy the stool after all the allegations against you? Many have sacrificed to protect the Golden Stool, and I will not allow you to destroy it.”

Otumfuo ordered the appropriate rites for the destoolment and appointed Nkwantakese to take charge over the former chief. Additionally, the Asantehene reinstated the former Biemso Dikro, nullifying the enstoolment of the successor placed by Nana Kusi Baaye II.