The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has debunked reports that it intends to demolish over 500 buildings to make way for the expansion of Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin’s palace.
Secretary of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, Daniel Marfo Ofori-Attah says buildings close to the palace are very fortified edifice; therefore the palace will not destroy those buildings even if it had to.
“Okyehene is not interested and does not have time to demolish any structures for expansion purposes. Those buildings around the palace are very fortified and so we won’t trade anything to have them destroyed,” he said.
It was reported that hundreds of residents in Kibi who live around the Ofori Panin Fie, the Palace of Okyehene were anxious as a date for demolition of their buildings draws closer.
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Reports say the Palace would be expanded twice the size that of Manhyia Palace to become the biggest in Ghana.
the reports say about 500 houses close to the palace will be affected by the planned exercise with all the houses having received evacuation notices months ago.
But reacting to the report on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show, Mr Ofori-Attah said some buildings being occupied by some families four around the Palace of Okyehene are the only buildings earmarked for taking over by the Palace.
He explained that those buildings have always been part of the palace hundreds of years ago and there are legal documents to that effect.
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He said the palace has served notice to the affected families and they have agreed to vacate the buildings when the time comes.
Mr Ofori Attah urged Ghanaians to disregard the reports of demolition because the Palace Okyehene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin is not in a contest with the Asanteman.
“Those who are occupying the buildings have been asked to vacate and they have agreed to the request so why should they bring Okyehene’s name into disrepute. We are not thinking of competing the Asanteman”, he warned.