There are no family allodial lands in Asanteman – Otumfuo

Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed that allodial ownership of lands within Asanteman is vested exclusively in stools, which hold such lands in trust for the Golden Stool.

The Asante monarch stated that families and individuals cannot claim allodial title over lands in Asante, but may only possess leasehold or usufructuary interests in such lands.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks during a lecture series held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of activities marking the 150th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court of Ghana.

He noted that disputes surrounding land ownership, particularly the interpretation of allodial title, stool lands and customary land interests, have continued to fuel uncertainty, disagreements and legal battles.

The Asantehene referenced lands belonging to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), explaining that the property was demarcated by his predecessor, who was a surveyor before ascending the Golden Stool, as part of an arrangement with Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for the establishment of the university.

He expressed concern over attempts by some individuals and families to challenge the ownership of portions of the university’s lands through legal action.

According to Otumfuo, Asante customary law clearly establishes that all lands in Asanteman are vested in stools, which hold them in trust for the Golden Stool.

“First and foremost, it is imperative to state for emphasis that in Asanteman, allodial ownership of land vests in the stools, who hold the same in trust for the Golden Stool.

“There are no family allodial lands in Asante; therefore, families and individuals can only hold leasehold or usufructuary interest in lands in Asante, but never allodial interest in or title,” he said.