How Some Builders Courted Otumfuo’s Wrath for Messing with his Tree
Some builders on Tuesday found themselves on the wrong side of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II after their works affected one tree he had planted behind his official residence at Manhyia in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
His Majesty found one of his trees had been messed with by the builders who were undertaking a construction project around the Palace on a tour of the area.
Recounting the incident, Otumfuo noted that getting in-depth knowledge and sensitization about the significance of trees would enable Ghanaians to appreciate them better and give them the needed protection.
He stated that no one goes scot-free for messing with his trees.
His Majesty made the statement when the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, during a courtesy call on June 19, 2024, thanked him for his commitment and support to the annual Green Ghana Day Initiative of the government.
“The project has witnessed Asantehene’s active participation since its onset some four years ago. This year was no different and so we thank him,” the Minister said.
His Majesty in reaction underscored the need for Ghanaians to be made to better appreciate trees in the ecosystem.
“I have participated in the event four times and I pay a visit to my trees when I visit the Golf Course every morning after playing golf. The tree I planted in 2021 has grown and so are those of 2022 and 2023. The recent one is also there. It will help for Ghanaians to understand the importance of trees.”
He noted that he has an in-built affection towards trees due to their importance as he recounted how the builders courted his wrath for tampering with his tree.
“My participation in the Green Ghana Day is not for the cameras. I have some trees I have planted right behind this residence. I went to find one tampered with by some builders working around and you should have seen what happened. Mess with anything but not my trees.”
