The Chief of Coaltar, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, has been destooled following a violent clash that resulted in the deaths of two people in Kraboa, a farming community in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region.
The destoolment was announced after a delegation of Nananom, led by the Apapamhene and the Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori, was sent to the Coaltar Palace to officially effect the customary destoolment process.
The violence erupted on Thursday, January 16, 2025, when landguards accompanying the Coaltar Chief opened fire on residents of Kraboa who were protesting against the unlawful sale and seizure of their lands.
The protesters were also demonstrating against the destruction of their crops by sand winners acting on the instructions of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi.
The incident occurred in broad daylight, in the presence of the Ayensuano District Police.
Eyewitnesses reported that the landguards, numbering about 50, were led by the chief in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles.
The residents claimed that the Coaltar Police prioritized taking the injured land guard to the hospital over assisting the native who was shot.
One of the deceased bodies was later retrieved from the palace of the Coaltar Chief, who has since fled the town and been put on police wanted lists.
The intervention of the Kyebi Regional Police Command, who were prevailed upon by the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin was necessary to restore order in the area.
A customary ritual has been performed to validate the destoolment process.
This incident is not the first time the Coaltar Chief has been involved in controversy.
On January 5, 2025, agents of the Coaltar Chief unlawfully entered the palace of the Odikro of Alema, a farming community in the Ayensuano District, and brutally assaulted occupants of the palace without provocation.
The destoolment of the Coaltar Chief is a significant development in the region, highlighting the need for traditional leaders to respect the rights and dignity of their subjects.
The Okyenhene’s decision to destool the chief demonstrates his commitment to upholding justice and protecting the well-being of the people in the region.
