Kumasi: Protesters welcomes Asantehene at airport

Residents of Agogo and Tafo in the Ashanti Region are appealing to the Asantehene to ensure justice is done in the Agogo and Old Tafo issues. Clad in red and black, they stormed the Kumasi airport to meet the Asantehene to register their displeasure. The protesters are unhappy with how the violence at Old Tafo and the nomadic herdsmen menace at Agogo have been handled.

From the airport, they later presented a petition to the Asante Youth Association to the Otumfour Osei-Tutu II who has been away on a private visit to South Africa. Ambassador Nana Effah Appenteng, the Chief of Bompata received the petition on behalf of the Asantehene.

They want the Asantehene to ensure justice prevails while some also wanted more seriousness in the fight against nomadic herdsmen and their cattle at Agogo. One of the protesters said it is unfair how the nomadic herdsmen are allowed to treat people of Agogo anyway they want. “We have instances where some top officials are purported to be financing these people, which is very unfortunate. Justice delayed is justice denied, so bringing the petition to the King is a good signal for him to work at a faster pace,” he said.

Another person also narrated how they were attacked and their houses razed to the ground in the Tafo Township. He said they had to wait for the Asantehene to come back and lodge a complaint. The people believe the Asantehene can come to their aid so they live in peace and not be troubled by anyone. In a related development former President Kufour in an exclusive interview said it is long overdue that a law is passed such that if people want to raise livestock, they must be made to acquire the land. “The problem has been long dragging. Perhaps what needs to happen hasn’t been undertaken. We have always been scratching the surface. Policy on livestock must be put in place,” Mr Kufour said.