Kumasi, Nov. 13, GNA - Residents of Kumasi and some peripheral communities have praised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for destooling the chief of Atwima-Techiman for multiple land sales. People who spoke to the Ghana News Agency at Atwima-Boko, Atwima-Twedie, Atwima-Techiman and Kumasi, were unanimous in their position that the landmark decision by the King "is a clear signal of his resolve to rein in aberrant subordinates."

Twelve people accused Nana Kofi Agyei Bi III of reselling plots of land they had bought from him.

Mr Baffour Kyei, a businessman and a landlord, said the recklessness of some of the traditional leaders was fast eroding public trust and respect for the once cherished chieftaincy institution. It is up to them "to do soul-searching" to salvage their waning image. Madam Akua Pokuaa, a trader, said chiefs held land in trust for the people and it was time "we demanded from them accountability and transparency in the sale of our lands."

She described as totally unacceptable the situation where "chiefs have placed their individual selfish interest and comfort before the general good and progress of communities of which they are leaders." "I do not have anything against chiefs but I detest the greed, selfishness and criminal conduct of some of them."

"All they are doing is just to sell land. They are selling everything, open spaces and cemeteries and using the proceeds to live in opulence. This certainly must stop," she said.

Mr Kofi Adutwum Barimah, teacher, said multiple sale of land and the absurd level it had reached needed decisive action to tackle. Offenders, he said, must be put before the law courts and be made to suffer stiffer punishment. 13 Nov 09