By Paul Mamattah
The substantive and gazetted Chief of Korleman, Nii Martei Korle III, has firmly dismissed reports of his destoolment, describing them as false, unlawful, and part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation as he pushes for land reform in the Korleman community.
He reaffirmed his authority and status as the legitimate traditional ruler of the community following what he described as a criminal and barbaric invasion of his palace by land guards and thugs on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Korleman in the Ga West Municipality, the chief insisted that no legitimate customary procedure had been carried out to remove him from office. He stressed that his ongoing efforts to streamline land administration and hold landowners accountable had triggered resistance from individuals seeking to maintain fraudulent or idle control over lands.
According to him, no attempt will damage my reputation for doing the right thing, as he emphasised his commitment to regularising land ownership and ensuring proper development in the area.
Nii Martei Korle III alleged that a former head of the Nii Korley family, Israel John Clottey, who he said voluntarily stepped down, mobilised thugs to assault him shortly after he issued a notice to landholders regarding land entitlement documents and new development requirements.
He claimed the attackers stormed his palace on 26 November 2025 while he was concluding a routine meeting with his council of elders and community members.
He said he was alerted that armed individuals described as “bandits and thieves” were approaching.
“Before I realised it, they were already in the porch of the palace,” he recounted.
The chief said he retreated into his inner chamber with one of his female warriors (Asafoanye) and locked the door, but the attackers forcibly broke it down while shouting demands for it to be opened.
According to him, they dragged him out and beat him severely with machetes, iron rods, and sticks, leaving him extremely weak.
He further alleged that after overpowering him, the assailants dragged him outside, slaughtered a sheep on him, and declared him destooled an act he condemned as unlawful and dangerous.
Describing the incident as a shocking and violent departure from legitimate customary practice, Nii Martei Korle III, questioned how such brutality could be used as a means to remove a chief.
He appealed to the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Dr. Odaifio Welenchi; the President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru; and President John Dramani Mahama for intervention and protection.
“Do I have to die before I can have peace in my own country?” he asked, lamenting what he described as a breakdown of law and order.
Nii Martei Korle III, recalled a similar attack about a year ago, when the same group fired gunshots at his palace shortly after he had left for an event at Gamashie.
“I reported the matter to the Kotoku Police Station, the Amasaman Divisional Headquarters, and even petitioned the Greater Accra Regional Police Command. Up till today, no action has been taken.” Nii Martei Korle III, lamented.
The Chief said the attackers often boast of having powerful connections.
“Must I dine with a president or minister before I can live peacefully in my own country?” he asked, urging journalists to follow up with the Amasaman Divisional Police.
Nii Martei Korley III accused the out-gone family head, Israel John Clottey, who was declared by a High Court ruling on October 28, 2025, as no longer head of the Nii Korle Family, as the mastermind behind the attacks.
The Chief urged state authorities to take decisive action, insisting that the situation demanded urgent attention so the world could see what was unfolding in Ghana.
He reaffirmed his position as the legitimate chief of Korleman and vowed to continue efforts to bring order, transparency, and development to the community despite the threats and attacks.
