Officials at the Ofori Panin-fie, the Palace of Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin, in Kyebi have dismissed reports suggesting 500 houses are to be demolished to make way for the expansion of the palace.
Some affected residents who have been directed to leave the premises to enable the expansion project get underway say they have nowhere to go.
Daniel Aboagye who speaks for the residents, said most of the affected are elderly people.
“Notice was sent to them since last year and two weeks ago, another reminder was sent to them. They have been asked to evacuate by the end of August for the expansion of the palace,” he said.
According to him, they are left worried because they do not have anywhere to pack to.
But while admitting the eviction exercise will come off, spokesperson for the Okyenhene, Danny Ofori-Atta described the claims of unfair eviction as false.
“These houses that we are talking about — 10 in total and not 500 as reported – were occupied by previous servants of the palace, almost all of whom have been called by their maker.
“These structures have now been taken over by squatter or people who have no connection with the palace whatsoever. So, it became necessary to renovate these structures to give them to some of the current servants of the palace,” he explained.
He said it is also important that the area around the palace is given a befitting status by beautifying the area.
Ofori Panin-fie is a palace which accommodates the “Hall of Justice” ancient artefacts and archival records which date back to the 15th Century.
It is a research centre for researchers in West African History, Ghana, and the Laws of the Akans. It appeals to tourists and researchers interested in African History and Culture.
