A self-proclaimed ‘African tribe’ who had been living in a makeshift camp in the woods near Jedburgh, Scotland, has been evicted following a raid by authorities.
At the heart of the group was Kofi Offeh, a 36-year-old man of Ghanaian descent, who referred to himself as “King Atehene.” Alongside him was his partner Jean Gasho, 43, of Zimbabwean descent, who styled herself as “Queen Nandi.” They were joined by Kaura Taylor, 21, an American from Texas, known within the camp as “Asnat.”
The group said they were reconnecting with what they described as their “African heritage” by creating a traditional village in the Scottish woods. For them, it was not only an experiment in community living but also, they claimed, a way of preserving identity and spiritual connection.
Kofi, the Ghanaian man leading the camp, has drawn both criticism and sympathy. While some locals and authorities described the encampment as unlawful and unsafe, others have expressed understanding of his determination to carve out a life rooted in cultural pride, far away from his homeland.
During the eviction, tents and belongings were removed, leaving the group displaced. Kofi, who had taken on the symbolic role of “king,” is now facing uncertainty but has spoken of his resilience and belief that his vision was never just about land, but about dignity, heritage, and belonging.
Authorities have not indicated where the group will go next, but the raid has sparked wider debate about freedom of expression, cultural identity, and the challenges faced by people of African descent seeking alternative lifestyles in Europe.
For Kofi, the eviction marks a setback, but he maintains that his spirit remains unbroken, saying his journey reflects not just his story, but also the struggle of many Africans in the diaspora searching for a place to truly call home.
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