Today in 2017: I’ll sue you next time you link me with galamsey - Okyenhene tells BNI

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, in May 2017, demanded a public apology from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) following its report that some persons from the Okyenhene task force were involved in illegal mining actives in the region.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II who refuted the ‘one-sided’ investigation in a meeting with members of the Council of State, mentioned that his lawyers were going to take on persons who tried to tag him in 'galamsey' activities in the country.

“I have told my lawyers and family members that anybody that they hear impugn my name to this activity [galamsey] will have to meet us in court,” he said.

According to the Secretary to the Akyem Abuakwa Council, E.M Ofori-Atta, the investigations did not seek the views of those from Ofori Panin Fie terming it as mere fabrications.

The activities of illegal mining have destroyed several water bodies in the country. Despite several measures by authorities in curbing this menace, some persons continue to engage in the practice even with the ban on illegal mining in Ghana.

Read the full story originally published on May 13, 2017, on Ghanaweb

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has threatened to sue the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) the next time it impugns his name to the activities of illegal mining.

“I have told my lawyers and family members that anybody that they hear impugn my name to this activity [galamsey] will have to meet us in court,” Overlord of Akim Abuakwa State told members of the Council of State when paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Kibi, Friday, May 12, 2017.

The members of the Council of State had gone to Kibi as part of their tour to illegal mining or galamsey sites to get first hand information about the menace.

The Okyenhene, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, demanded an immediate apology from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) for wrongfully accusing him of engaging in ‘galamsey’ activities.

His demands follow a BNI report which named him and his palace among scores of other chiefs from eight regions of the country as being engaged in illegal mining activities.

In a statement issued on his behalf by the Public Affairs Director of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, Mr Daniel Ofori-Atta, the Chief expressed disapproval with regard to the conduct of the BNI in the matter and demanded an official apology with immediate effect.

“The BNI cannot fabricate stories and draw conclusions on the basis of their own invention. The report has seriously maligned the Okyenhene and the Ofori Panin Stool,” it said.