Renowned cultural activist and journalist with OTEC FM, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, has explained why the Ashantis forbid people from bringing full palm nut fruit and tied firewood into their homes.

According to him, this cultural practice was instituted to protect and prolong human life through good hygiene and environmental safeguarding.

Speaking on OTEC FM’s morning show Nyansapo on Monday, October 20, 2025, Boateng emphasised that the prohibition aims to prevent the killing of insects and other animals that may be hiding in the palm nut fruits or firewood.

“Most of these insects, reptiles, and other animals that hide in palm nut fruits and tied firewood are eventually killed when they are brought home, so our forebears thought it wise to implement measures to prevent that,” he said.

He further revealed that individuals who flout this directive are called to the palace to answer for their actions. The practice has been upheld to this day, with most communities in the Asante Kingdom still adhering to it.

“To do that, they decreed that nobody has the right to bring tied firewood and palm nut fruit home, and they also instituted punishments to ensure compliance,” he added.

This rich Asante culture underscores the importance of protecting both human lives and the environment, showcasing the thoughtful and sustainable practices of the Asante people.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below: