Chiefs Risk Destoolment If�.

Chiefs who indulge in acts of corruption risk having their royals and dependents barred forever from their stools. Furthermore, those who carry out multiple sales of lands and sign fictitious documents risk destoolment. This was the �fatwa� issued by Otumfuo, the Asantehene at his resumption of work at the Kumasi Traditional Council after his brief visit to Germany. In a passionate address amidst cheers from the general public, Otumfuo expressed disappointment with reports of malfeasance which inundates his office almost on daily basis from the traditional areas. He just could not bring himself to understand why the numerous committees he appointed to examine stool and land disputes keep sometimes one year before they submit their reports. Undoubtedly, he said, all these were due to acts of corruption which go under the scene. He said the situation now demanded that he should be severely sanctioned. He said the customs and traditions of Asanteman were very clear-cut enough for every chief and his kingmakers. �Those who feel they can circumvent these traditions and customs must know before hand the consequences before them.� Otumfuo next switched on those chiefs who engage in dubious sale of lands. He asked: �How come this phenomenon of a land document signed by a chief and an elder.� Why an elder? Is there any part of our custom to have an elder? These are all parts of the shoddy deals that come before me.� Otumfuo said he would never tolerate any of such deals again adding, every chief has his definable kingmaker and this must be spelt out in every document submitted to Manhyia.