The Chief of Coaltar, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, has been destooled for allegedly leading land guards to unleash violence on the people of Coaltar.

This attack is said to have resulted in the deaths of two individuals and severe injuries to ten others, who are currently receiving treatment at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.

The incident is linked to an ongoing invasion of the Ayensuano District and its surrounding communities by land guards, hired thugs, and hoodlums. These groups, allegedly acting under the misdirection of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II, have been accused of terrorizing residents, farmers, and landowners.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, violence erupted in the Kraboa community when land guards accompanying the Chief of Coaltar opened fire on residents engaged in a peaceful protest.

Destooled Chief of Coaltar, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll

The demonstrators were opposing the unlawful sale and seizure of their lands, as well as the destruction of crops by sand miners claiming to act on the Chief's instructions. The attack occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of the Ayensuano District Police.

Tragically, two people lost their lives during the confrontation, with one of the deceased later found in the Chief’s palace. The Chief of Coaltar has since fled the area and is now on the police's wanted list. Order was eventually restored through the intervention of the Kyebi Regional Police Command, following the involvement of the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.

In response to the incident, the Okyenhene dispatched a delegation of Nananom, led by the Apapamhene and Amantuomiensahene, Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori, to the Coaltar Palace to perform the customary rites for the destoolment of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi II.

At the ceremony, Apapamhene Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori emphasized that Okyeman recognizes only one overlord, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin.

He further clarified that the Okyenhene has not sanctioned any forceful eviction of land users, indiscriminate sale of lands, or illegal sand mining within Okyeman. The customary destoolment marks a decisive step in restoring peace and order to the affected communities.

"I came to install the Coaltar chief Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll at this very venue, we didn't install him to terrorize people here. The Okyenhene doesn't condole any act of violence and abuse of powers. He was sworn in to serve his people and protect stool property but not to terrorize citizens and forcibly takeover their properties," Okogyeaman said.

"Today, based on his rebellious behavior and involvement in the killing of innocent souls in our land, Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll has been destooled," Apapamhene said amidst the pouring of libation and slaughtering of a sheep.

He said this customary ritual validates the destoolment process of the Coaltar chief, indicating that, the kingmakers will present a New chief for consideration.

Okogyeaman Apagya Fori hinted that, on the 5th day of January 2025 agents of Barima Asiedu Okekrebesi ll 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.


He said Okyeman does not accept such acts of lawlessness and impunity over its citizens.

Okogyeaman Apagya Fori cautioned the public to avoid dealing with the destooled Chief.

He called on the Ghana Police Service to arrest the absconded chief and his land guards to face the full rigorous of the law.