The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern warning to Chiefs within the Ashanti Kingdom, declaring that he will destool any chief found engaging the services of land guards to protect lands under their care.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a courtesy call by the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, the Asantehene stressed that the use of land guards is unlawful and alien to the traditional governance system of Asanteman.
“I will destool any chief who engages the services of land guards. They know very well that they have no such authority. 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,” Asantehene cautioned.
He advised that any individual or chief involved in land disputes should bring their concerns before the Manhyia Palace for amicable resolution rather than resorting to violence or unauthorised security arrangements.
“If you have any land disputes with anyone, bring it before me, and we will resolve it amicably, for peace to prevail,” he said.
The Asantehene emphasised that such acts not only breach traditional authority but also undermine public safety and peace in the region.
His warning comes as the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) explicitly criminalises the use of land guards and imposes severe penalties on individuals or groups who engage in or promote such illegal activities.
