I’ll destool any chief who employs land guards – Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a strong caution 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 at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, the Asantehene condemned the use of land guards as unlawful and contrary to the customs and traditions of Asanteman.

“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,” Otumfuo cautioned.

He advised that any individual or chief involved in land disputes should bring their concerns before the Manhyia Palace for peaceful resolution rather than resorting to violence or unauthorised security arrangements.

“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 acts not only defy traditional authority but also endanger public peace and security in the region. His warning comes in the wake of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which explicitly criminalises the use of land guards and imposes strict penalties on anyone who engages in or facilitates such illegal activities.

Otumfuo also urged DCOP Akoto to strengthen efforts to tackle theft and other social vices to sustain peace and stability in the Ashanti Region.

The advice was given when the new Police Commander paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace. The outgoing Police Commander, Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, expressed his appreciation to His Majesty for his guidance and support during his tenure before introducing his successor, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto.

The delegation accompanying the outgoing commander included CP Francis Kouame Somian, Deputy Regional Commander; Chief Superintendent Frederick Hammond, Manhyia Divisional Commander; and DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police PRO.