The Chief of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II, has issued a strong warning to individuals involved in the unauthorized sale of community lands, declaring his unflinching commitment to protect every inch of Abuontem property from being illegally sold or encroached upon. He made this declaration while addressing residents and members of the traditional council following recent demonstrations in the community.
The chief, visibly disturbed by the allegations that he had seized community lands and sold them for personal benefit, described the claims as baseless, politically motivated, and a calculated attempt by certain individuals to tarnish his image and undermine his leadership. According to him, those behind the recent protests are the very people who, in times past, illegally sold portions of Abuontem’s lands and now fear being exposed and held accountable for their actions.
Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II said his reign would mark a turning point in the administration of land in Abuontem. He vowed to restore sanity, transparency, and proper accountability in all land-related matters, stressing that his focus was to ensure that communal properties were preserved for future generations. He declared emphatically that under no circumstance would he allow the unlawful sale of community lands to continue as was done before his enstoolment, noting that he would defend Abuontem’s resources with integrity and firmness.
“Abuontem lands are not for sale, and anyone who thinks they can continue the old ways of secretly disposing of community lands is mistaken,” he stated. “I have taken an oath to protect this land and to ensure that every decision concerning our resources benefits the people, not individuals. Over my dead body will I allow the repetition of the past wrongdoing.”
Addressing the recent controversy over the relocation of the community football field, the chief explained that the move was part of a well-thought-out development plan endorsed by the traditional council to construct a modern palace and a multi-purpose community center. He said Abuontem had long suffered from the absence of a befitting palace and a social facility for communal gatherings, cultural events, and developmental meetings, and the traditional council deemed it necessary to use the field space to achieve this vision.
Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II added that a new site had already been provided as a temporary football field to ensure that sports and youth activities were not disrupted. He further revealed that plans were underway to construct a modern standard football pitch that would promote youth talent and attract sporting opportunities to Abuontem. He expressed his commitment to youth development, assuring them that his administration would always prioritize initiatives that foster unity, growth, and recreation among young people.
The chief also clarified that no part of the community cemetery or any public land had been sold, as alleged by some protestors. He described such claims as deliberate attempts to mislead the public and sow division within the community. He cautioned residents against believing false information being circulated by individuals who once benefitted from illegal land dealings and now sought to discredit the progress being made under his leadership.
Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II reaffirmed his dedication to promoting peace, development, and accountability in Abuontem, urging his subjects to remain united and focused on collective progress rather than allowing themselves to be influenced by falsehoods. He called on all indigenes, both home and abroad, to support the traditional council in its ongoing efforts to build a modern palace and community center that would serve as symbols of unity, pride, and development for the people of Abuontem.
He further assured residents that his administration would continue to operate with transparency, fairness, and respect for the customs and traditions of Abuontem, adding that the preservation of community property and the well-being of his people would remain his topmost priority.
Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II concluded by appealing to the youth to channel their energy into productive activities that promote progress and unity, rather than engaging in politically influenced agitations. He emphasized that the destiny of Abuontem rests in the hands of its own people and that under his leadership, no land or resource belonging to the community would ever be traded for personal gain.
