The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has criticised lawyers who file lawsuits challenging the ownership of KNUST lands. He said some legal practitioners represent individuals falsely claiming to be family heads or Abusuapanin with rights to the university’s property.
Speaking at the 59th Congregation of KNUST, the Asantehene described these actions as unethical and unacceptable. He recalled a warning issued five years ago against encroachment, noting that some individuals continue to defy it. “I issued a solemn warning against any encroachment on KNUST lands. Yet, some people continue to test our resolve,” he said.
He added that lawyers knowingly lend credibility to unsubstantiated claims. “They take these matters to court, even when they know they shouldn’t. That is wrong,” he said.
The Asantehene emphasised that KNUST lands are institutional assets meant for academic development, not private property. He warned that any further attempts to seize the lands will face decisive action.
Land encroachment remains a major challenge for public universities in Ghana. As institutions expand to accommodate growing student populations, protecting property has become critical. Otumfuo’s warning reinforces the commitment of traditional authorities and the university to safeguard its assets and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
