Pastor cited in the felling of 300-year-old Akomfo Anokye cola tree at Feyiase
Details are emerging surrounding the controversial felling of the over 300-year-old historic cola tree (bese) at Feyiase near Kumasi, purportedly planted by the renowned Okomfo Anokye fetish priest.
Reports sighted from Graphic Online suggest that a pastor, contracting local individuals known as “town boys,” orchestrated the cutting down of the tree.
According to information gathered, the pastor considered the tree fetish and sought its removal.
Perplexed by the recent reconstruction of the Atonsu-Esreso-Bosomtwe dual carriageway, which deliberately diverted around the tree, he allegedly offered a GH¢5000 incentive to the town boys to carry out the operation discreetly.
When Graphic Online’s Emmanuel Baah visited Feyiase on November 9, 2023, some residents claimed that the pastor justified the tree’s removal based on religious beliefs, deeming it fetish. Kusi Berko, a native of Feyiase, revealed, “We are told the Pastor gave the boys GH¢5,000 to cut the tree down.” Another resident, 72-year-old Agya Marfo, corroborated this information.
Investigations into the illegal felling of the historic tree are reportedly underway, with the police closing in on suspects linked to the incident. Initially, residents speculated that the tree might be removed to accommodate the road reconstruction, but the contractor, Kofi Job Construction Company Limited, had preserved the tree by constructing a dwarf concrete wall around it. The company aimed to safeguard the tree’s traditional and tourism significance.
However, concerns arose when traditional authorities argued that the tree wasn’t adequately visible with the dwarf concrete wall. Consequently, the authorities decided to enhance its visibility for tourism purposes by removing the dwarf wall.
Mynewsgh.com
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