The Feyiase Akoyem Traditional Council and the police have joined forces in search of persons believed to have cut down the historic cola tree planted by Asante’s chief priest, Okomfo Anokye.
The tree, planted centuries ago, holds historical significance to the Asante Kingdom and serves medicinal purposes for residents living close to this sacred tree.
The Feyiase cola tree, also known as the Okomfo Anokye “Bese” (Cola), is thought to have been cut down in the night by unidentified individuals.
The tree lies lifeless with its stump seated deeply in the middle of the Kumasi Atonsu-Lake Bosomtwe road.
For years, this historical tree, which produced unique black and white Cola nuts, was not only walled to prevent intruders but also protected by residents of Feyiase Akoyem, a historic Ashanti community in the Bosomtwe District.
The chief linguist for the Feyiase Akoyem Traditional Council, Kyeame Frimpong, said, “This tree wasn’t even cut down when they were constructing the dual carriage road. So we don’t know why someone would do this to us.”
“This is unfortunate. This could really spell doom for the entire Asante Kingdom especially those of us living in this community and also the person who felled the tree,” he added.
Planted 300 years ago, the cola tree is believed to have grown after the revered chief priest, Okomfo Anokye, spit on the ground while chewing cola nuts during the fight between the Asante’s and Denkyira people while travelling through the community.
The sacred tree is believed to contain magical powers to cure barrenness and heal people of all kinds of ailments and spiritual curses.
Traditional authorities and police have joined forces in search of the illegal loggers, whose actions, they say, could spell doom for Asanteman.
The Feyiase community holds some of Asante’s historical events, including their battle with the Denkyiras in the 17th century.
Meanwhile, traditional rites are expected to be performed for pacification.
