After over a month in detention, Solomon Amponsah, the accused in the case of felling the ancient Komfo Anokye tree in Feyiase in the Ashanti Region, has satisfied the bail terms.
Despite being granted GHC20,000 bail with a surety by the Atasemanso Circuit Court, Amponsah was unable to obtain his release until recently.
The prosecution revised the charge sheet from the first allegation of unlawful damage to include the illegal felling of the tree in court on Wednesday (6 December).
The suspect entered a not-guilty plea to the new accusation. The case was extended to December 28 by Presiding Judge Gloria Mensah Bonsu, who ordered the prosecution to file disclosures and other trial-related papers.
Authorities have initiated a manhunt for individuals guilty of felling the legendary 300-year-old kola tree in the Bosomtwe District hamlet of Feyiase, which is thought to have healing qualities.
The tree, which has a long history in the Ashanti Kingdom, grew near where famed priest Komfo Anokye is said to have vomited a kola nut in the early 1700s.
Local traditions credit healing abilities to the kola tree’s black and white seeds. The tree, which stood amid a main route connecting Kumasi to Lake Bosomtwe, was saved during highway building and became a popular tourist attraction.
Images of the downed tree sparked fury among Ghanaians. The cause for its recent reduction remains unknown.
At the same location, the Battle of Feyiase, a key historical event in the Ashanti Kingdom’s war for independence against the Denkyira Kingdom, took place.
The tree’s presence provided a concrete link to the region’s history and cultural heritage.
Osei-Bonsu Safo Kantanka, the director of research at Manhyia Palace, emphasised the historical significance of the tree’s placement in the Ashanti Kingdom’s history.
