The Chief of Abuontem in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II, has responded strongly to allegations leveled against him by some residents of the community, declaring that he will defend every inch of Abuontem land from illegal sales and encroachment. Speaking with firm conviction, the chief dismissed claims that he had sold community lands or seized the town’s football field for personal gain, describing such accusations as false, mischievous, and deliberately calculated to tarnish his reputation.
His remarks came after a group of residents staged a demonstration accusing the chief of selling public lands, including a cemetery and the community park. The protesters also alleged that the chief had failed to prioritize development and had instead taken decisions that did not reflect the collective interest of the community. They petitioned the Bretuo family head, Abusuapanin Kofi Adu-Tutu, and appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene and restore calm.
Addressing the controversy, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II rejected the allegations and stated categorically that under his leadership, not a single piece of Abuontem land had been sold. He said his administration had rather introduced strict measures to stop the unlawful sale of community lands, which had been a long-standing issue before his enstoolment. He accused certain individuals of orchestrating the protest to divert attention from their own questionable land dealings, insisting that those who had illegally sold lands in the past were the same people behind the current misinformation campaign.
Nana Sakyi Tutu II explained that his vision as chief is to safeguard the community’s resources and ensure that future generations inherit their rightful heritage. He said land is the soul of a traditional community, and therefore, no responsible leader would watch idly while a few self-seeking individuals exploit it for their personal gain. He emphasized that he had sworn an oath before the ancestors and the Asantehene to protect every portion of Abuontem land, and that commitment remains unshakable.
The chief further clarified that the decision to relocate the community football field was not a personal move but a resolution taken by the traditional council in consultation with elders, youth, and opinion leaders. He explained that the current field site was earmarked for the construction of a modern palace and a multi-purpose community center, which would serve as a venue for traditional ceremonies, cultural festivals, and social events. According to him, the project is a major step toward giving Abuontem the facelift it deserves after years of developmental neglect.
Nana Sakyi Tutu II said the traditional council had already identified a new site for a temporary football field, ensuring that youth activities would not be disrupted. He revealed that plans were also underway to construct a modern football pitch with proper facilities to promote sports development and nurture local talents. He assured the youth of his continuous support, stressing that his leadership would always seek opportunities that empower them and promote unity within the community.
Responding to claims that the community cemetery had been sold, the chief vehemently denied the allegation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to incite public anger. He said the cemetery, like other communal assets, remains under the full protection of the traditional council, and that no one has the authority to sell or lease it. He challenged those making the accusations to present evidence and warned that the traditional council would not hesitate to take action against anyone found guilty of spreading false information meant to destabilize the community.
Nana Sakyi Tutu II reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and good leadership, stating that every decision taken under his reign was guided by collective consultation and a genuine desire to promote progress. He called on residents to remain united and avoid being manipulated by individuals pursuing selfish political or personal interests. He urged them to look beyond the falsehoods and focus on the development projects currently being pursued for the benefit of all.
He expressed appreciation to residents who continue to support the traditional council and assured them that the upcoming palace and community center projects would transform Abuontem into a modern and vibrant town. He appealed to natives of Abuontem living in other parts of Ghana and abroad to contribute their expertise and resources toward achieving this collective vision.
Concluding his address, Nana Akomea Sakyi Tutu II said his mission as chief is to lead Abuontem into a new era of development, accountability, and pride. He reiterated his resolve to defend the community’s land and heritage with all his strength, adding that no individual, regardless of their influence, would ever be allowed to sell or misuse Abuontem property again. He said the people’s unity and the protection of their ancestral land will remain his greatest priority, assuring residents that under his watch, the dignity and future of Abuontem will never be compromised.
