Kumasi, Jan. 22, GNA - The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed worry about the increasing reported cases of missing black stools and other important stool regalia and ornaments in some paramountcies of the Asante kingdom.

He specifically mentioned Offinso, Kumawu and Essumeja, where stools and other properties are said to have been stolen by unidentified persons in recent times and said the disappearance of such important items from palaces were a serious threat to the survival of the spirit and soul of Asanteman.

He has therefore, charged paramount chiefs to take critical measures to safeguard and protect their stools and other important properties in their paramountcies in order not to bring any calamity to the kingdom. Otumfuo Osei Tutu was speaking at the first meeting of the Asanteman Council for the year 2009 at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi on Thursday. He said black stools, ornaments and certain regalia were the soul and spirit of their authority and they must be protected at all times. The Asantehene said such reported cases cast a slur not only on the image of the affected paramountcies but the Asante kingdom in general. He therefore, charged the chiefs to take a collective responsibility to prevent further loses in their palaces in order to preserve and protect the dignity and sanctity of the Asante kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu also charged the chiefs to ensure that caretakers of their palaces and stool rooms lived up to their responsibilities and became committed to their duties.

The Asantehene again expressed concern about numerous disputes and litigations among some paramount chiefs and urged those involved to fashion out amicable ways to settle their differences. He said they should come together in love and unity in order to revive the united spirit of the Asante people.

"Petty squabbles and disputes are undermining the unity of Asanteman," he said and urged the chiefs to come out with effective measures that would help to address such problems.

The Asantehene also spoke against an alleged collection of bribes by some chiefs, who have been mandated to mediate and settle disputes between litigating factions, and urged such chiefs to desist from such acts.

He advised them to take a critical look at the challenges facing developments in their respective areas and urged them to liaise with all relevant stakeholders to promote peace and speedy development of their areas.