Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, the Chief of Coaltar, has been removed from his position following accusations of orchestrating violent attacks that left two people dead and several others injured in Coaltar.
The Eastern Regional community has been reeling from recent violence allegedly instigated by land guards and hired thugs under the leadership of the Chief. The attacks have created widespread fear and unrest among residents, particularly in the Ayensuano District and surrounding areas, where farmers and landowners have reportedly been targeted.
The latest incident occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2025, when violence erupted in the Kraboa community during a peaceful protest. Residents had gathered to express their anger over the illegal sale and seizure of their lands and the destruction of their crops by sand-winning activities linked to the Chief. The protest turned tragic when land guards reportedly opened fire on the demonstrators, killing two people and leaving about ten others with serious injuries.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, with several in critical condition.
Community members accuse Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II of empowering the land guards to intimidate and terrorize residents for personal gain. This has resulted in growing outrage and calls for justice among affected families and the wider community.
In light of the escalating tensions and loss of lives, the Chief has been destooled, a decision seen as a critical step toward restoring order and addressing the grievances of Coaltar’s residents.
The incident highlights ongoing issues of land disputes and the illegal activities of land guards in the region, sparking demands for stronger enforcement of laws to protect local communities from such violence.
Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, the Chief of Coaltar, has been formally destooled following violent clashes that left two people dead and several others injured. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, unfolded in the presence of the Ayensuano District Police and has sparked outrage in the community.
One of the victims’ bodies was later discovered in the palace of the embattled chief, who has since fled the town. Authorities have placed him on the police wanted list. Calm was only restored after the intervention of the Kyebi Regional Police Command, acting on the orders of the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.
Following a police report on the unrest, the Okyenhene dispatched a delegation of traditional leaders, led by the Apapamhene and Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori, to Coaltar to formally carry out the customary destoolment of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II.
During the destoolment ceremony, held at the Coaltar Palace, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori reiterated that Okyeman has one overlord, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, and emphasized that the recent actions of the destooled chief violated the principles of his office.
“I was present at this very venue to install Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II as Chief of Coaltar. His installation was to serve the people and protect stool properties, not to terrorize the citizens or seize their lands,” Osabarima Okogyeaman declared.
He stressed that the Okyenhene had never authorized any forceful eviction of land users, illegal land sales, or destructive sand-winning activities in Okyeman.
Citing the chief’s alleged role in the violence, which led to the deaths of two individuals and the destruction of property, Osabarima Okogyeaman announced the destoolment. The ceremony included the pouring of libation and the slaughtering of a sheep, signifying the severance of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II’s ties to the stool.
Osabarima Okogyeaman also disclosed an earlier incident on January 5, 2025, where agents of the destooled chief unlawfully stormed the palace of the Odikro of Alema, a nearby farming community, and assaulted its occupants. He warned that such acts of lawlessness would not be tolerated in Okyeman.
Additionally, Osabarima cautioned the public against engaging with Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II in any capacity and called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest the fugitive chief and his accomplices.
The Apapamhene further assured the community that kingmakers would soon select a new chief to restore order and ensure the proper management of stool lands and affairs in Coaltar.
SOURCE: Maxwell Kudekor
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