Aburihene apologises to Okyehene over galamsey accusation

The Chief of Aburi, Otubuor Gyan Kwasi II, has rendered an unqualified apology to the Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and other chiefs in Akyem Abuakwa over some comments he made about the illegal mining menace at Akyem Abuakwa.

According to the Chief of Aburi, even though his comment has been taken out of context and misunderstood, he has ‘great’ respect for the Okyenhene, whom by traditional extension, is ‘father’ to Okuapeman, and will therefore not smear his name.

“I’m sorry if he is offended by my harmless comment,” the Aburihene said.

He explained that his comment during a media interview on galamsey at Akyem Aboabo was not targeted at the Okyenhene and his chiefs, but was rather calling on them to support the government’s fight against illegal mining, which has polluted the Birim river – the main source of water for the area.

The apology comes after the Okyeman Youth Association had demanded the Aburihene to withdraw the accusation against the King of the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom or face their wrath.

The Youth group said it was inappropriate for Nana Otubour Gyan Kwasi II to point accusing fingers at the Okyenhene since he has been at the forefront in the fight against galamsey.

Speaking to the media at his palace, the Aburihene who doubles as the Adontehene of Okuapeman, counselled the Okyeman Youth Association to tread cautiously and not destroy the relationship between the two traditional authorities.

He warned that the youth of Aburi can equally match the Okyeman youth in the war of words if they continue in their tracks.