Destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II (L) and his sister, Akosua Nyamesem (R)
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the Chief of Ohwim in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, following multiple allegations of misconduct and violations of traditional laws.
During Baaye II’s appearance before Otumfuo to plead his case, his sister, Akosua Nyamesem, requested a platform to speak on her brother’s behalf.
Many of the traditional leaders gathered at the Manhyia Palace for the proceedings believed she was going to advocate for her brother and ask the king for mercy.
However, there was a moment of complete shock when Akosua Nyamesem, an elderly woman who appeared somewhat frail, took the microphone and detailed her brother’s misconducts and actions since his enstoolment.
According to her, Nana Kusi Baaye II has sold lands to private individuals, including land designated for use as a cemetery.
She said that this has created a challenge, with people now struggling to find land to bury their deceased relatives.
She further accused Baaye II of dismissing the authority of the Great Oath and insulting the chiefs, therefore, appealing to Otumfuo to destool him, stating that they could no longer work with him.
“… Nana Kusi Baaye is my biological brother and he has destroyed all our properties. When he was about to be enstooled, he was cautioned against touching the Kumi lands, but now there is nothing left to show. He has destroyed it all and even gone ahead to sell a burial site cemetery used for burials that as I speak, there is no available land left for people to be buried.
“He sold the lands to several individuals despite our protest and pleas but because of his wealthy status, he didn’t heed to our pleas. He even insulted our leader and so I’m appealing to you because we can no longer work with him,” she said this amid shouts of ‘ei,’ signaling shock from the crowd.
Nana Kusi Baaye II, who ruled for 16 years, was removed from his position after being found guilty of several offenses, including the desecration of the Great Oath, extortion, illegal sale of lands, and illegal mining.
His actions were exposed during a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025.
During the proceedings, the Ohwimhene was accused of falsely testifying in a chieftaincy dispute.
According to the issues, despite being aware of the rightful owners of the stool land, he allegedly demanded GH¢6,000 to testify in favour of the owners but later took money from the opposing party and testified on their behalf.
His dishonesty was uncovered by the Asantehene, proving that he had violated his oath of office and the sacred witness vow associated with the Great Oath.
MAG/AE
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