The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on June 22, 2017, made a historic courtesy call on Nana Oseadeayo Akumfi Ameyaw IV, the Omanhene of the Techiman Traditional Area, at his palace.
Otumfuo, who was traveling to Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region for the funeral of Okatakyie Agyamang Kudom IV, the Paramount Chief of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, explained that he stopped by to greet his “brother” and check on his well-being.
Following tradition, the Asantehene presented a gift to the Techimanhene, who also offered a gift on behalf of his chiefs and people.
This marked the first face-to-face encounter between the two traditional leaders after years of tension, which escalated again in 2010 when Otumfuo threatened to have the Techimanhene kidnapped, accusing him of mistreating the Tuobodomhene. At the time, he urged the government to intervene and called Nana Akumfi Ameyaw’s actions “barbaric.”
Otumfuo had warned sternly:
“I am watching closely. I will kidnap the so-called Techimanhene and bring him to Manhyia if the government does nothing about his kidnapping of Tuobodomhene, Nana Asare Baffuor. After that, the government can come and face me if it wishes.”
He emphasized that Asanteman’s strength should not be underestimated, noting that although he follows the law because of his upbringing, it does not mean the Asante are weak.
Nana Akumfi Ameyaw IV had allegedly ordered ten strong men to abduct Nana Asare Baffuor, drag him to his palace, brutally assault him, and strip him naked.
The longstanding dispute between the Asantehene and the Techimanhene dates back centuries to the era of Asantehene Opoku Ware I. Tensions stem from what Techiman considers the betrayal of Baafuɔ Pim, an Asante settler whom the Techimanhene had granted land—now the area known as Nkoransa. According to historical accounts from the 1940s, Baafuɔ Pim stole gold entrusted to him for delivery to the Asantehene and replaced it with dust. This treachery angered Opoku Ware, who retaliated by decisively defeating the Bono Kingdom of Techiman and seizing much of its land and property.
