Chief of Bosomkyekye fined GH¢90,000 or faces seven years’ imprisonment
The Nsuta Circuit Court in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region has sentenced Nana Sarpong Ofori Gyima II, the 52-year-old Chief of Bosomkyekye and a farmer, to a fine of GH¢90,000 or, in default, serve seven years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charges of land alienation.
His Lordship Simon Nketiah Gagah delivered the sentence on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Prosecuting the case, Chief Inspector Owusu Kobi Moses told the court that the complainant, Nana Osei Bonsu, a 77-year-old businessman and head of the Asona family clan of Yonso-Jamasi, is the rightful owner of the land in question.
In 1996, the late Chief of Bosomkyekye, Nana Kwabena Ofori, alienated 400 acres of farmland to one Mr Asare for farming purposes at a value of GH¢25,000. When the late chief failed to execute the necessary documentation, Mr Asare caused his arrest.
Upon learning of the matter, the complainant paid the sum to Mr Asare, after which the late chief transferred the interest in the land to him.
The complainant thereafter permitted family members to cultivate the land for farming only, expressly forbidding any sale of any portion.
The accused, who resides at Mampong, succeeded his uncle as Chief of Bosomkyekye in 2018 through the complainant’s sole efforts. In 2024, without reference to the complainant, he alienated two acres of the land to Alfamrup Trans Enterprise and a further 40 acres to Yo’El Farms, both for poultry and meat-processing purposes.
The complainant reported the matter to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (RCID) in Mampong. The accused was invited to assist with investigations, reported as directed, and was subsequently arrested.
During interrogation he admitted the offence, claiming he had acted on the instructions of the late Paramount Chief of Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II.
He was asked to produce copies of the documents he had issued to the two companies but failed to do so.
In sentencing, the court observed that as a chief the accused ought to have known better and noted that he had admitted selling the land without the knowledge or consent of the family.
The sentence is intended to serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.