Police in Kumasi is not ruling out contract killing as a search is mounted for killers of  Otumfuo's Asamponhene.

Nana Kwadwo Foduo’s body was found at the backseat of his Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle at Ebuom on the Ejura-Nkoranza Highway on Sunday evening with multiple stab wounds.

But for some church members who were returning from a convention, the body of the 46-year-old would have been burnt beyond recognition. 

With the help of other motorists, the church members managed to extinguish the fire and raised an alarm before the police got to the scene.

Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti regional police command, ASP Godwin Ahianyoh confirmed the murder to Joy news.

"It is true the police command is investigating the murder of Nana Kwadwo Afoduo, 46-year old who is Otumfuo's Asamponhene. His body was found in his vehicle on Sunday 18th August 2019 at about 4:30 p.m near Ebuom on the Ejura-Nkoranza Highway."

Police suspect the late chief, a close relative of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was allegedly murdered by contract killers who tried to close all traces of the crime by attempting to burn his body in the vehicle.

"It is believed the late chief was murdered and his body deposited at the backseat of his Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle and abandoned at the outskirts of the village," he told Joy News.

Nana Afoduo is also the owner of X-5 Pub, a popular drinking bar at Krofurom in Kumasi.

This is the second high profile murder to have hit the Manhyia Palace in 10-years after Asantehene's Spiritualist, Opanin Akosa was shot dead by unidentified persons at Atafoa in Kumasi in 2009.

ASP Ahianyoh urged calm among residents of Kumasi as police mount search for the killers.

"Police have since commenced investigations into the case and is working earnestly to get the perpetrators arrested. We entreating the general public to assist police investigations by volunteering information through police hotline. We have 1855 on MTN and Vodafone", he said.

"We are just asking the general public to remain calm as we work with other stakeholders to be able to get the perpetrators involved arrested and make to face the full rigours of the law," he added.