Professor Opanyin Kofi Agyekum, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, has provided more details about the proceedings that led to the destoolment of Sabronum Gyaasehene Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi and two other chiefs over illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in the Ashanti region.
According to Opanyin Agyekum, he personally witnessed the destoolment of the three chiefs because he was present when Otumfuo took action.
He detailed that during the proceedings, it came to light that the Sabronum Gyaasehene was involved in buying gold from the galamseyers and supporting them in their activities, which led to the destruction of forests and river bodies.
Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Korokoo on September 3, 2024, he also explained that the chief was captured on tape ordering the galamseyers to continue their work, assuring them that no one could stop them.
“I was in Manhyia when Otumfuo was destooling the three Sabrono chiefs, so I heard and saw everything that took place there.
“The residents and the assemblyman took a petition to Otumfuo, stating that galamsey was destroying their river bodies. When they complained, some of the chiefs were behind it, so their concerns were dismissed.
“The worst part was that the Gyaasehene in the town was a gold buyer and if no one mines, where would he get the gold to buy? When people talked about it, those close to him would hurl insults at them,” he recounted.
Prof Agyekum continued, “They informed the DCE, who later sent a task force to check the situation. However, the Gyaasehene insisted that he was not informed before they went to the forest so he won't allow it. But the task force told him that they were not supposed to do that. Later, he told the boys to continue their work (galamsey) because he was the Gyaasehene, and one of them recorded him secretly.
“So, they invited all the chiefs, and the petition by the citizens was read in the open for them to respond. All the proceedings went against them, and Otumfuo had to destool them,” he said.
TWI NEWS
It may be recalled that the three chiefs were destooled by the Asantehene following a petition submitted by concerned residents of the traditional area.
During the Asanteman Council meeting at the Manhyia Palace on August 26, 2024, Otumfuo destooled the trio Sabronum Gyaasehene Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Sabronum Akyeamehene, and Baamuhene, and referred them to the police for prosecution.
The petition presented by the residents accused the Gyaasehene of engaging in illegal mining and contributing to the destruction of the area’s sole drinking water source, the River Asuonfou.
The Gyaasehene, however, denied the allegations.
His claim was backed by the Kyeamehene, but it backfired when the Baamuhene and other traditional rulers opposed it.
Testimonies during the meeting also showed that many traditional leaders were involved.
AM/KA
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