A group of individuals, suspected to be hired thugs, have attacked a team of masons who were constructing a fence around a royal burial ground in Kotwi, a neighborhood in Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti region.

This aggressive action followed allegations that the masons defied an order issued by Ashanti's paramount leader, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to have the burial ground fenced for its protection.

Several masons shared their accounts of the incident, stating that they were working on a fencing contract assigned by the area's family head when they were confronted and assaulted by the unknown thugs who abruptly halted their work.

"They questioned our authority to work there, and upon mentioning the Abusuapanin, they started physically attacking us, demanding we stop. They proceeded to demolish the work we had done. This isn't the first time these strongmen have come to halt our work through violence," reported the masons.

According to these workers, the thugs, claiming to be acting on behalf of the chief of Kotwi, asserted that only the chief had the right to award contracts for the site.

Further investigations revealed that the royal burial ground, Anokye Banmu, has suffered encroachment and various forms of degradation. Apart from unauthorized construction, the site has witnessed the dumping of waste, defecation, and activities like milling, drinking establishments, and mechanical work, causing noise and unpleasant conditions.

During a visit to Anokye Banmu, graves and tombstones of royals, possibly descendants of Okomfo Anokye and other members of the Ashanti kingdom, were observed.

Abusuapanin Kwabena Mensah, the head of the Kotwi royal family, was instructed by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to fence Anokye Banmu to protect it from further damage due to encroachment, misuse, and degradation.

Nana Kwadwo Amoah Ampem Okogyeabour, Executive Director of Corruption Combat International and a descendant of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, appealed for swift action against those responsible for the attack. He alleged that his investigation indicated the chief of Kotwi sent the hired thugs.

He emphasized, "I could not understand why the chief, who should protect Asanteman's property, would oppose those safeguarding it. I investigated and found that the Kotwi Chief ordered the thugs to stop the work. This is an act of arrogance. I urge the Asantehene to take action against this barbaric act."

However, secretary to the Kotwi chief, Nana Sei Tutu, contradicted these claims, stating that the Abusuapanin lacked the authority to permit such work on Anokye Banmu.

He asserted that Nana Kwabena Mensah was not the Abusuapanin as claimed by others. Nana Sei Tutu urged the public to dismiss these allegations.