Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has given Bantamahene, Baffour Asare Owusu Amankwatia VI, a one-week deadline to locate and return the stolen Asare Bediako deity of Adanwomase to the Asanteman Sumankwaahene.
The sacred deity, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Adanwomase in the Kwabre East Municipality, was reportedly taken by a rival faction fighting for its control. The Asantehene had previously instructed the Bantamahene to lead efforts in recovering the deity, but at a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on March 13, 2025, Bantamahene admitted that the search had been unsuccessful.
Dissatisfied with his response, the Asantehene found the Bantamahene in contempt, penalizing him with the sacrifice of eight rams and reaffirming his directive to retrieve the deity before presenting his report on Monday.
The dispute over the Asare Bediako deity has been ongoing, with three factions claiming ownership. A committee’s investigation determined that the rightful custodians were the descendants of Madam Akua Kyem, whose ancestors brought the deity from Denkyira and settled in Adanwomase. The report, backed by historical evidence and testimony from traditional leaders, dismissed the claims of the other parties.
Despite the findings, Bantamahene continued to support a different claimant, leading the Asantehene to order a second review of the case. With the matter still unresolved, the Asantehene’s latest directive signals a firm stance on restoring order and respecting traditional authority.
