Tension Escalates at Akyem Akroso Over Plan to Build Supermarket on Royal Cemetery
A deepening dispute between the Towa No. 1 Royal Family and the Chief of Akyem Akroso, Nana Kwabena Ofori II, is threatening peace in the Asene-Manso-Akroso District after the chief proposed using a royal cemetery as the site for a supermarket development.
The royal family has strongly opposed the plan, describing the land as a sacred ancestral burial ground that must remain untouched.
Speaking to Adom News, head of the Towa No. 1 Royal Family, Opanin John Asare, said: “The cemetery is sacred and should not be touched in the name of development. Any attempt to repurpose the land is a disrespect to our traditions and history.”
He warned that disturbing the resting place of their forebears could bring spiritual consequences for the entire community and urged respect for cultural heritage.
In response, Nana Kwabena Ofori II defended the proposal, stating that the cemetery has been unused for more than 25 years. He argued that the supermarket would modernise the town, create employment for the youth, and bring economic benefits.
The chief clarified that the land has not been sold outright but leased for development, and appealed to residents to remain calm while discussions continue.
The disagreement has sharply divided the community. Some residents support preserving the ancestral site and protecting cultural legacy, while others back the chief’s vision for infrastructure and job creation.
For now, the standoff persists, with both sides holding firm to their positions and no immediate resolution in sight.
Local leaders and stakeholders have called for dialogue to prevent escalation, as fears grow that prolonged tension could disrupt harmony in the area. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
