Thank you for sparing Bantamahene – Rawlings to Otumfuo over Race Course Lands

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has congratulated the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for “the steps he has taken, to seriously protect the environment” in the wake of the land grabbing at the Race Course Market and diversion of the course of the Subin River in Kumasi for the private gain of the Bantamahene.

He has also commended the Ashanti King for “tampering justice with mercy on Nana Bantamahene” Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI.

In a press statement issued by the former president on Monday afternoon, Mr Jerry John  Rawlings urged Ghanaians to “take a cue from the Asantehene and be bold and audacious in our defence of the environment, especially from thieves and crooks, who with impunity can collect parcels of land anywhere, anyhow and do as they wish against the public good and the sanctity of nature.

It may be recalled that, this portal reported two weeks ago that, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was infuriated by the action of the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwaatia IV and had directed the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) immediately demolish the stores and the restore the course of the river.

The head of the Kronti Division of the Ashanti Kingdom was dragged before the King after a delegation of sub chiefs sent to the Race Course Market came back with confirmation that he had trespassed parts of the land and also diverted the course of the Subin River for his private gain.

The Bantamahene was said to have forcefully taken over parts of the Race Course land for the construction of shops; he has also filled portions of the Subin River with sand and diverted its course, this portal reported last Wednesday.

When MyNewsGh.com reporters visited the market a day after the King’s order, the city authority was earnestly pulling down all the structures illegally mounted by the Bantamahene.

The Bantamahene was subsequently fined a ransom of forty-eight (48) sheep if he was to salvage his stool and be purged of the shame that he brought upon his stool and the Ashanti Kingdom.

Source:MyNewsGh.com/