The ancient Okomfo Anokye Cola Tree stump in Feyiase, Ashanti Region, has started to regenerate a month after it was cut down discreetly in the community. Okyeame Frimpong, a linguist from the Feyiase traditional council, revealed this in an exclusive Ghana360news interview.

Nevertheless, the area has been restricted to the public to ensure no access.

The linguist reports ongoing purification rites for the incident termed by the traditional authority as “doom and unfortunate.”

Researchers from the Crops Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research have visited the site to examine the felled Okomfo Anokye Cola tree, a historically significant and medicinally valuable tree planted centuries ago in the Asante Kingdom.

Referred to as the Okomfo Anokye Bese, the Feyiase cola tree is believed to have been cut down clandestinely. Planted 300 years ago, the tree is said to have sprouted after the revered chief priest, Okomfo Anokye, spat on the ground while chewing cola nuts during his journey through the community. Locals attribute magical powers to the sacred tree, believing it can cure infertility, heal various ailments, and break spiritual curses.

The Feyiase community, hosting some of Asante’s historical events, including the 17th-century battle with the Denkyiras, is deeply affected by the incident.

In legal proceedings, Solomon Amponsah, the suspected individual responsible for the tree’s felling, has met bail conditions after nearly a month in custody. He was granted GHS20,000 bail with one surety by the Atasemanso Circuit Court in November.

Initially charged with unlawful damage, the charges were revised to illicit felling of a tree during the December 6 court session. Despite pleading not guilty, Solomon Amponsah’s case, presided over by Judge Gloria Mensah, was adjourned to December 28, 2023, following an order for the prosecution to file disclosure and relevant trial documents.

Source: Ghana360news.com