The Chief of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II, has cleared the air on the recent controversy surrounding the relocation of the community football field, assuring the youth and residents that the decision was taken in the collective interest of the town and not for any personal or political reason. The chief also announced that plans are far advanced to construct a modern standard football pitch that will serve as a proper sports facility for the vibrant youth of Abuontem.
Speaking at the palace in response to agitations and protests by some residents, Nana Sakyi Tutu II said the traditional council had to relocate the existing football park to make way for a major development project that includes the construction of a new community palace, a multi-purpose durbar ground, and a cultural center. According to him, the old field site has been earmarked as the only centrally located and suitable land for such a project, which is expected to become the administrative and ceremonial heart of Abuontem.
The chief emphasized that the decision was reached through consultations involving the Abuontem Traditional Council, elders, opinion leaders, and representatives of the youth, dismissing allegations that it was a unilateral move. He explained that the community’s long-term development needs had to be prioritized, and building a befitting palace and cultural complex was crucial to restoring the traditional image and pride of Abuontem.
Nana Sakyi Tutu II revealed that the current palace, built decades ago, had become structurally weak and unfit to host major traditional or community events. The new project, he said, would not only serve as the palace but also include offices for the traditional council, a durbar ground for public gatherings, and a conference hall that could host developmental meetings and cultural programs. “Abuontem deserves a modern palace that reflects our identity, history, and future,” he said. “This is not about selling land or taking anything from the youth — it is about giving our town a new face and direction.”
On concerns raised by the youth about losing their recreational space, the chief assured that the traditional council has already secured a new site for a modern football pitch located on the outskirts of the community. He said land clearing and preparation would soon begin, and the facility would include goalposts, changing rooms, and a spectator stand to meet local competition standards. Nana Sakyi Tutu II added that discussions were underway with sports development partners and benevolent natives of Abuontem abroad to support the construction of the new pitch through donations and sponsorship.
He noted that sports play a vital role in promoting unity, discipline, and talent development among the youth, and that the new pitch would be a testament to the traditional council’s commitment to youth empowerment. “Our young people are our future. We cannot take away their joy; we can only make it better,” he said. “This new field will not only host our community matches but also attract tournaments from neighboring towns, creating opportunities for our young footballers to shine.”
The chief expressed disappointment over recent protests and misinformation that claimed he had sold the community’s football field. He described such allegations as malicious and politically motivated, stressing that not a single piece of Abuontem land has been sold under his leadership. “Those spreading lies about land sales are doing so to create confusion and division among us,” he warned. “As your chief, I swore an oath before the ancestors to protect this land, and I will never betray that trust.”
Nana Sakyi Tutu II appealed to residents to remain calm and united as the traditional council continues to pursue projects that will bring tangible progress to Abuontem. He said his administration is committed to transparency and inclusive governance, and he urged community members to seek clarification from the palace whenever they have concerns rather than resorting to street protests or public misinformation.
He also extended an olive branch to the youth leaders who participated in the recent demonstration, inviting them to a peace dialogue to foster understanding and collaboration toward community development. He emphasized that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect, urging everyone to channel their energy into supporting projects that uplift Abuontem.
Concluding his address, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II reaffirmed his dedication to leading Abuontem into a new era of growth, dignity, and modernization. He said the palace redevelopment and the construction of the new football pitch are only the beginning of a series of projects aimed at transforming the town into one of the most progressive communities in the Bosomtwe District.
“Our goal is simple — to make Abuontem a shining example of unity, progress, and pride,” the chief stated. “The new football pitch will come, and it will be better than before. Let us focus on development and not on division, because together, we can build the Abuontem we all dream of.”
