Two arrested for felling 300-yr-old Komfo Anokye cola tree

The police have arrested two persons who were reportedly behind the felling of a sacred cola tree at Feyiase, which was planted by Okomfo Ankoye, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosomtwe, Joseph Assuming has told The Chronicle.

In a telephone interview with this reporter, Assuming said the arrest was made on Wednesday, this week, but declined further comment on the matter.

On Tuesday 7 November, 2023, residents of Feyiase in the Bosomtwe district of the Ashanti region were horror-struck, when a report emerged that a cola tree, which is believed to be over 300-years old and was planted by Okomfo Anokye –the pre-eminent Priest of Ashanti Kingdom, has been felled by an unknown person.

This development, The Chronicle gathered, attracted people from far and near to the scene.

A linguist at the Feyiase palace, Okyeame Frimpong, confirmed to The Chronicle that the tree had indeed been cut down.

Okyeame Frimpong described the tree as sacred to Manhyia Palace, adding that during the construction of the road, Opemsuo directed that it should not be touched.

He disclosed to the media that the chief of Feyiease, Nana Addai Dwamena I, who is currently out of the jurisdiction, upon hearing the news directed that the chief Linguist of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu be informed. They also filed a report at the Feyiase police station.

“We cannot say anything about the sacred tree which belongs to Asantehene; what we can do is to take directive from Nana Dwamena.

“Whoever fell the tree has invited curses upon him or herself.This is not an ordinary tree and whoever is involved in this act has questions to answer. He has invited trouble onto him or herself and the family.

“Even if you have issues with the chiefs, you do not attack the tree because it does not belong to the traditional leaders at Feyiase, but the Otumfuo”, he said.

Okomfo Anokye was the first priest (Okomfo) of the Ashanti Empire. Anokye is known for his participation in the expansion of the empire. He was also the codifier of the constitution and laws of the Ashanti Empire.