Kumasi: 'Mystery' coffin set ablaze at Fumesua

Residents of Fumesua, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Monday set fire to the mysterious coffin which was positioned at the entrance to the chief’s palace. The coffin was burnt by the people after a delegation sent to Otumfuo’s Sumankwaahene returned from Manhyia.

The team led by the Kontihene reported that the coffin ought to be burnt after rituals have been performed. The elders then destroyed the coffin and poured libation. Two fowls were slaughtered before the pieces from the coffin were set ablaze.

The coffin contained black and white calico and schnapps believed to have been used to cast a spell. Elders in the town after an emergency meeting bought a ram to pacify the gods before lifting the coffin from the palace.

They sent Messengers to the Manhyia Palace to consult the chief priest of Otumfuo on the way forward before moving the coffin. The chief was however not in the town  but the elders maintained that those behind such sacrilege are faceless people thus their allegation must be treated with the contempt it deserves.

The coffin, placed in front of the palace by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens was in protest of what they described as illegal sale of lands in the town. The letter appealed to the chief, Nana Esua Amoako to consider returning a plot of land used as a cemetery he is alleged to have sold to a private developer without conducting due diligence.

The group believes this action of the chief and the developer, is responsible for the death of “children, youth and middle aged citizens of Fumesua.” An invitation was thrown to Nana Esua Amoako to attend a scheduled meeting of the group to “support morally and spiritually” discussions.