Asantehene Cautions Chiefs Against Selling Lands Already Ceded to Others

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned chiefs against selling portions of land that have already been transferred to other traditional authorities, describing the practice as contrary to Asante custom.

Speaking during the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, Otumfuo said he had observed a worrying trend where some chiefs bypass the current custodians of such lands to transact sales on the basis of prior ownership.

Setting the record straight, Otumfuo noted that once land is taken from one chief and transferred to another, the former ceases to exercise control over it. However, by arrangement, the latter may be required to pay some royalties to the former.

“If a portion of your land is transferred to another chief, you cannot later bypass that chief and sell part of it on the grounds that it was yours. No, that is not in line with Asante tradition,” he said.

“I am observing this trend in some areas. Once you transfer it to another, you cease to own it. However, you may be entitled to proceeds from the sale by arrangement and agreement.”

The Asantehene’s remarks come amid rising land disputes in some parts of Asanteman, where overlapping claims and unauthorised sales and enstoolment of Dikro have sparked tensions between traditional authorities.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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