Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s directive banning his subordinate chiefs from engaging directly or indirectly in illegal mining—a menace that has devastated the country’s forest reserves and water bodies—has once again been flouted.
The Sabronum Gyaasehene Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Akyeamehene, and Baamuhene are the most recent traditional figures to have had their titles stripped due to their involvement in illegal mining.
Their titles were revoked during an Asanteman Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace on August 26, 2024.
The actions of the Gyaasehene are said to have contributed to the pollution of River Asuonfou, a major water source in the area.
The destooled chief was investigated by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on the orders of the Asantehene, following a report about his unlawful activities. While being probed, the Gyaasehene denied the allegations.
Addressing the gathering at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene stated that the NIB’s findings corroborated the report, leading to his decision to destool the Gyaasehene and two others.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II subsequently handed his three subordinates over to the police for the law to take its full course.
“If the DCE could not arrest you, be rest assured that after you have left here, if you go and engage in any form of illegal mining, I will ensure you are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The Asantehene is enforcing strict discipline among his traditional authorities, who are in the best position to protect the environment from the actions of illegal miners.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to sanctioning sub-chiefs who flout his directive and fail to ensure that illegal mining is not tolerated in their jurisdictions.
In August last year, the Asantehene removed Nana Saforo Koto from his position as the Chief of Bekwai-Abodom due to his involvement in illegal mining.
In the interim, Otumfuo Tutu II has appointed the Akwamuhene of Sabronum as caretaker of the area and has supervised the election of a new candidate, Kofi Asante, as part of the process to enstool a new chief.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Sabronum Gyaasehene, the Akyeamhene, and the Baamuhene due to their involvement in galamsey activities in the area. pic.twitter.com/kuHzRHH0k9
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) August 27, 2024