Road Barriers Erected…

There is simmering tension in the Ashanti Regional capital city of Kumasi as an irate group of well-built men said to belong to a group calling itself Ashanti Freedom fighters besieged the Techiman Bus Terminal at the Race Course in Kumasi, virtually ransacked the place and subjected drivers, commuters and traders at the race course to a dehumanizing exercise of harassment, intimidation and assault.

The Macho men also prevented passengers from travelling to Techiman because, according to them, the Chief of Techiman had disrespected the Asantehene.

According to HelloFm’s Reporter Osei Tutu, who visited the scene, the group vowed to continue with their action until the matter between the Asantehene and the Techiman Chief is amicably resolved.

In a related development, the Kyidomhene of Sarbeng Akrofuom, Nana Kwabena Boakye, has admitted in an interview with PEACEFM News that he led a group of athletically built men to Sunyani in the company of the Tuobodomhene today. According to him, henceforth, the Asantes will not transact business with the people of Techiman.

“…we went to the Sunyani Police Headquarters to lodge a complaint of kidnapping and killing against the Techimanhene…his actions invariably led to death of three people last week…we understand the police have invited asked that he presence to assist in investigations…we’re becoming calmer by the day, though our heart is still boiling with rage…If a king (chief) can kill someone and be forgiven, so also another Chief can kill someone and be allowed to go scot-free.”

“But I know, the law is supreme in this country…and the law will deal with the Techimanhene appropriately…because he has (allegedly) killed three people and forced another Chief to go stark naked….i’ll meet with my group of young men, if the gov’t does want is expected of him… should the gov’t fail to do what we require, this matter will never die a natural death….we’ve resolved that there will be no trading between Asantes and the people of Techiman…they should take their yams…we’ve also erected barriers and forbade them not to cross over and transact business with us…all Asantes living in Techiman must return home…people of Techiman who are residents of Kumasi can stay decide to stay…we are prepared to run the people of Techiman down. Should the Chief of Techiman speak and act manly, he will see that others are more mannish than him…,” Nana Kwabena Boakye warned.

Meanwhile a government delegation led by the National Security Advisor, Brigadier Nunoo Mensah, concluded a closed-door meeting with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Tuesday evening to resolve the problem between the chiefs of Tuobodom and Techiman.

Other members of the government delegation included the Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Kofi Manu Dr. Oteng Adjei, Hon Collins Dauda, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Mr. Kojo Bonsu and Christine Nuamah Donkor

Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah, told the press moments later that the meeting was fruitful.

The meeting was necessitated by threats by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday March 15, if the government fails to call the Techimanhene, Oseadeayo Ameyaw Akumfi IV, to order, he was going to arrest the Techimanhene, just as a hawk grabs a hen, should he dare pass through Kumasi.

Some macho men alleged to be operating under the orders of Techimanhene, Oseadeayo Ameyaw Akumfi IV, allegedly kidnapped the Omanhene of Tuobodom, Nana Baffour Asare II who owes allegiance to the Ashanti golden school.

Although the police later took custody of him, the Asantehene is angry that his kidnappers have not been arrested or questioned.