The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has pardoned the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, following his involvement in a recent dispute concerning a missing deity.
In March 2025, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II issued an ultimatum to the Bantamahene to locate and present the missing Tano deity of Adanwomase, Asare Bediako, to the Sumankwaahene. The Bantamahene had been tasked with the search but was criticised by the Asantehene for mishandling the assignment.
During a meeting at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene confronted the Bantamahene over the whereabouts of the deity before setting the deadline.
According to a report by Opemsuo Radio, the pardon was granted at the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, after the Bantamahene showed remorse by presenting a ‘dibim’—a traditional plea of guilt—to the Asantehene.
This act followed the successful return of the Tano deity to the Sumankwaahene, in accordance with Otumfuo’s directive.
The Asantehene is quoted as saying he had “no intention to destool the Bantamahene” and acknowledged that the chief had “performed all the needed rites and returned the deity to the Sumankwaahene.”
BAI/MA
