Asanteman Council to speed up resolution of disputes

The Asanteman Council has stated that it is determined to find quick solutions to disputes over some stools lingering for years to restore peace.

These include the Juaso, Adansi, Essumeja and the Kumawu stools.

At its first meeting for the year, presided over by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Council said the peaceful settlement of those disputes could no longer wait.

It would from April 2, begin sitting on the cases and do everything to prevent needless adjournments, for early closure.

The meeting was attended by all the Paramount Chiefs and members of the Kumasi Traditional Council.

The chiefs acknowledged that the practice of the past, where Committees were set up to assist handle the disputes, proved to be unhelpful.

Those committees got bogged down in bribery accusations and other acts of misconduct leading to loss of confidence by the disputants.

To correct this, the Council as a body, would now hear the cases and make definitive pronouncements.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu reminded the chiefs to be accountable to their people to sustain their trust and confidence.

They should be honest and transparent in the management of stool revenue. Additionally, they must treat the queens with respect and dignity.

The Asantehene said it was their responsibility to preserve the traditions and cultural values of Asanteman and to also provide the right leadership to bring development to their communities.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu later swore in the newly installed Nsumankwaahene (Chief Priest of Asanteman), Baffour Asabre Kogyawoasu III.

He succeeds Baffour Domfe Gyeabour, who died in November, last year. **