The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stressed that allodial ownership of lands within Asanteman is vested solely in stools, which hold such lands in trust for the Golden Stool, insisting that families and individuals cannot claim allodial title over lands in the area.
According to the Asantehene, families and individuals can only hold leasehold or usufructuary interests in lands in Asante but not allodial ownership.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made the remarks during a lecture series at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi as part of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
He said issues surrounding land ownership, including the nature of allodial title, stool lands and customary interests, continue to generate agitation, uncertainty and litigation.
The Asantehene cited the case of lands belonging to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, explaining that the lands were demarcated by his predecessor, who was a surveyor before becoming Asantehene, as part of an arrangement with Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, to establish the university.
He expressed concern over attempts by some individuals and families to challenge the ownership of portions of the university’s lands in court.
The Asantehene stressed that under Asante customary law, all lands in Asante are vested in stools 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.
