Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Chief of Abuontem, Nana Kwaku Duah III.

This action follows allegations of his involvement in the illegal sale of lands that rightfully belong to various individuals and families.

The dethronement of Nana Kwaku Duah III and his subsequent handover to the police took place on Monday, August 21, 2023, during a session of the Kumasi Traditional Council held at the Manhyia Palace.

Investigations revealed that Nana Duah was found guilty of not only defying the directives of Otumfuo but also engaging in the unauthorised sale of disputed lands.

Additionally, he faced accusations of orchestrating violent attacks through the use of hired thugs against his own stool elders, who voiced dissent regarding his stance on the land issue.

Nana Kwaku Duah III's reign, spanning a remarkable 47 years, has come to an end with this destoolment. Strikingly, his removal marks the third instance of a Chief being destooled by Asantehene within a mere span of two weeks.

The initial instance occurred on August 10, 2023, when Asantehene stripped Nana Saforo Koto, the Bekwai-Abodomhene, of his chieftaincy. The decision was made following his involvement in roughly 20 charges, which notably included the illicit sale of lands to illegal miners known as "galamseyers."

Similarly, Nana Osei Tiri Ababio, also known as Otumfuo Nkonsonhene and Chief of Aduamoah, faced a similar fate on August 14, 2023. His destoolment was the result of his proven disregard for both Otumfuo's orders and traditional norms, among other charges.

After an exhaustive review of the charges brought against Nana Kwaku Duah III and the opportunity for divisional Chiefs to voice their perspectives on the matter, Otumfuo reached a verdict. Consequently, Nana Kwaku Duah III was found guilty on all counts and his destoolment was officially pronounced.