Audio By Carbonatix
A man suspected to have cut down the Okomfo Anokye historic tree has denied his involvement in felling the 300-year-old tree.
The tree, planted centuries ago, holds historical significance to the Asante Kingdom and serves medicinal purposes for residents living close to the sacred tree.
The man, who is yet-to-be identified pleaded not guilty to the Atasemanso court in Kumasi after he was picked up by the Police on Wednesday.
He was thus granted GH₵20,000 bail for a surety.
The case has since been adjourned to November 23, 2023.
Known as the Okomfo Anokye Bese, the Feyiase cola tree is believed to have been felled in the middle of the night by unknown perpetrators.
The tree now lies lifeless with its stump seated deeply in the middle of the Kumasi Atonsu – Lake Bosomtwe road.
The Feyiase Akoyem traditional council has since relayed the incident to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, awaiting further actions, including some traditional rites.
For years, this special tree, which produced unique black and white cola nuts was not only walled to prevent intruders but protected by residents of Feyiase Akoyem, a historic Ashanti community in the Bosomtwe District.
The Feyiase Akoyem Traditional Council and the police have joined forces in search for persons believed to have fallen the historic cola tree planted by Asante’s revered Chief Priest, Okomfo Anokye.
Planted 300 years ago, the cola tree is believed to have grown after the revered chief priest, Okomfo Anokye, spat on the ground while chewing cola nut as he traveled through the community.
The sacred tree is believed to contain magical powers to cure bareness and heal people of all kinds of ailments and spiritual curses.
The Feyiase community holds some of Asante’s historic events, including their battle with the Denkyiras in the 17th century.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Psychological Association calls for greater involvement of people with lived experience in mental health care
11 minutes -
Ablakwa says Ghana could evacuate more citizens from South Africa if the situation worsens
39 minutes -
Violence against girls must be tackled through individual responsibility – Gender advocate
43 minutes -
Ghana’s BRICS bid must be guided by national interest – International Affairs Analyst
56 minutes -
Journalists look back on a decade of breast cancer reporting in Ghana
2 hours -
President Mahama ends Resetting Ghana tour of Ahafo Region
3 hours -
African negotiators seek delivery of climate commitments at COP31
3 hours -
BoG develops AI rules for financial sector
4 hours -
‘Big Push’: Government assures contractors of prompt payments
4 hours -
Court fines miner for breaking into gold buying shop
4 hours -
Tarkwa court jails labourer for three years over GH¢123,000 theft
5 hours -
GAEC must retain nuclear scientists for Ghana’s nuclear ambitions – Minister
5 hours -
Man reportedly mistaken for game and shot by hunter dead in forest
5 hours -
19-year-old mason jailed 15 years for defiling seven-year-old pupil
5 hours -
Ghana’s banking sector assets rise 20.47% to GH¢500.2bn – BoG Governor
5 hours