I Never Kidnapped Tuobodom Chief:Techimanhene

The Omahene of the Techiman Traditional Area, Nana Oseadeyo Akumfi Ameyaw, has flatly denied ever ordering ‘macho’ men to kidnap the chief of Tuobodom, Nana Baffour Asare II.

Oseadeyo was speaking at a meeting with a high-powered government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Brigadier (Rtd) Nunoo Mensah, and the Techiman Traditional Council at the Omanhene’s palace on March 17, 2010.

All the chiefs were clad in funeral attire to signify the seriousness of the situation. The government delegation was made up of Dr. Oteng Adjei, Alhaji Collins Dauda, Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Asiedu Nketia, and Christiana Amoako-Nuamah.

The group had earlier met with the Asantehene on the same Tuobodom issue.Narrating his side of the story to the delegation, the Techiman Omanhene said on October 8 2008, at about 2pm, he and his entourage were on their way to Tuobodom to celebrate the Fofie Festival with one of his sub-chiefs when his convoy was ambushed.

He said several gunshots were fired at the convoy, causing many of his people to sustain serious injuries. He stated it was later learnt that the surprise attack was organized by Nana Baffour Asare II, who claims to be the Omanhene of Tuobodom. According to Nana Oseadeyo, he reported the matter to the police and provided the names of the alleged gunmen, but sadly no one was arrested nearly two years after the incident took place.

Continuing, Oseadeyo said some Good Samaritans from Techiman spotted Nana Baffour Asare II and arrested him. When he was brought before the Techiman Omanhene, he ordered that Nana Baffour be handed over to the police since the case had already been reported.

Nana Oseadeyo blamed the media for misrepresenting the case instead of investigating to find out the truth. He was of the view that if indeed Nana Baffour Asare II was kidnapped and beaten up as the media portrayed, why is he (Nana Baffour Asare II) standing trial at a Sunyani Magistrate Court for attempting to assassinate him (Techimanhene).

Nana Oseadeyo Akumfi Ameyaw seized the opportunity to appeal to the media to be circumspect in their reportage of the Tuobodom issue since any further misrepresentation could disturb the peace.

On the statement made by the Asantehene that President Mills should choose between him and the Techimanhene, Oseadeyo said the statement was unfortunate since there is nothing like choosing between one chief and another. According to him, President Mills is the Head of State of Ghana, not the ruler of a particular dynasty or kingdom.

He however advised the President to choose Ghana instead of any group of persons or any individual for that matter.

Nana Oseadeyo was also not happy about information claiming that he said since his government is in power, he can do whatever he likes. He said when the NPP was in power, he had cordial relations with ex-President Kufuor and his government because they did their best to develop Techiman.

Similarly, he will never hesitate to throw his weight behind President Mills and his team since they all wish Techiman well.

Referring to lies that are being peddled by some people who have some interest in the Tuobodom case, he said similar stories were told during the olden days by one Baffoe Pim, leading to the Techiman and Ashanti war. He therefore warned responsible parties to be cautious.

Responding to the chief’s comment, Brigadier Nunoo Mensah explained that the stories they heard at the Castle and the Asantehene’s palace are very different from the Techimanhene’s account. According to him, now that they have heard his side of the story, they will give their report to the President, promising that an amicable settlement will be made to bring peace to the area.