Komfo Anokye’s felled Kola tree holds historical significance in … – Mr. Safo Kantanka

The Director of Research at Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti royal family, Osei-Bonsu Safo Kantanka, has expressed worry over the felling of the historical kola tree planted by famous fetish priest Okomfo Anokye, at Feyiase near Kumasi.

According to Mr Safo Kantanka, the kola tree, planted about 300 years ago, holds historical significance in the great Ashanti Kingdom.

Local people say the tree grew in the spot where Komfo Anokye spat a kola nut on the ground at Feyiase in the early 1700s, during the fierce battle between the Ashanti Kingdom and the powerful kingdom of Denkyira.

The exact spot where the tree is situated is where the Ashanti defeated the people of Denkyira and gained their independence over 300 years ago.

It is believed that the black and white seeds of the kola tree could cure all kinds of ailments and repel curses.

The tree was in the middle of a major road linking Ghana’s commercial hub, Kumasi, to Lake Bosomtwe.

It was spared during the construction of the highway because of its historical significance and was a tourist attraction for Ghanaians and foreigners who visit the golden city of Kumasi.

The kola tree was one of the symbols used by Ashantis to remember the renowned fetish priest Komfo Anokye, who was human but did mysterious things in the Ashanti Kingdom.

It is unclear why the historical Kola tree was cut down, but it is alleged that one pastor contracted some town boys to cut down the tree for a reward of GH¢5000.

Authorities have currently launched a manhunt for the key suspect and the contractors who destroyed the historic tree.