Chiefs Should Desist From Visa Deals

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, on Thursday warned chiefs against taking moneys from people with the intention of obtaining visas for them.

He said some traditional authorities wrote letters to the Embassies and High Commissions in the country to enable them to obtain visas for people, who travelled abroad and never returned.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, who was speaking at Asanteman Council meeting in Kumasi to welcome him from his tour of England, said any chief caught indulging in such transactions would not be shielded.

The Asantehene reminded the paramount chiefs and "Abremponfuo" of Asanteman that their role as chiefs under the Golden Stool enjoins them to project the good name of Asanteman.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said his tour to the various traditional councils in Ashanti was long overdue and promised to do so soon to enable him to see the developments taking place.

The Asantehene explained that the visits would be a demonstration of his support for the chiefs and to give him an opportunity to discuss development issues with the people.

"We will discuss the educational fund and select people who would collect the moneys and also talk about health and environmental matters," he said.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu expressed dissatisfaction at the sale of stool lands in Asanteman, especially in Kumasi and said any chief found engaging in the practice would be destooled.

He requested Kumasi chiefs or the 'Abremponfuo', to check the 'Adikro' from selling stool lands.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu called on the chiefs to work honestly so that together they would assist him to build, not only Asanteman but the country as a whole.