The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a strong warning to chiefs within the Ashanti Kingdom, vowing to destool any traditional leader found hiring or collaborating with land guards to protect lands under their custody.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Asantehene described the practice as unlawful, dangerous, 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,” Otumfuo declared firmly. “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.”
The Asantehene urged chiefs and individuals involved in land disputes to channel their grievances through the Manhyia Palace for peaceful and lawful resolution rather than resorting to violence or the use of unauthorised security operatives.
“If you have any land disputes with anyone, bring it before me, and we will resolve it amicably, for peace to prevail,” he advised.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that the use of land guards not only violates traditional authority but also threatens public safety and stability in the region. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that peace and order are maintained within Asanteman, warning that any chief who undermines this principle will face destoolment.
His caution aligns with the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), which explicitly prohibits the use or engagement of land guards, imposing severe penalties on anyone found guilty of such offenses.