The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled three Chiefs in the Ashanti Region for their involvement in illegal mining. The three Chiefs- Gyaasehene of Sabronum, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Sabronum’sAkyeamehene and Baamuhene.
“I gave the town to you; you could not take care of it. I’ve long been following up on this matter. This is also the report from theNational Intelligence Bureau (NIB), your names are clearly mentioned here in this report,” the Asantehene told the Gyaasehene and the two others in their faces when they attended upon the summon of the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace last Monday.
“If I still keep you in charge, you will destroy my communities and ruin the lives of our people. If it is the DCE who could not boldly call you to order, I have done that,” Otumfuo angrily said, and threatened to get them arrested if they went back to the community to carry themselves as traditional leaders and continue with their nefarious activities.
“It was reported in The Chronicle sometime ago,and I directed the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to investigate what is happening in the area and they presented a report to me,in which you have all been indicted. The report came about three or four months ago;If I allow you to hold forth at Sabronum,the community will fall”, Asantehene told Gyaasehene of Sabronum.
The destoolment of the three Chiefs in the Ashanti Region by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is a step in the right direction against the devastating effects of illegal mining. This decisive action by the Asantehene sends a clear message: the protection of our land and the well-being of our people must take precedence over personal gain.
Illegal mining has become a scourge on the country, wreaking havoc on the environment, undermining traditional leadership and threatening the very fabric of our communities. The Asantehene’s decision to destool these Chiefs is a necessary action in addressing a problem that has been allowed to fester for far too long.
Galamsey operations have left vast stretches of land scarred, rivers polluted and ecosystems destroyed. The long-term environmental damage is incalculable, with forests being decimated and water bodies contaminated with toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide.
These environmental catastrophes do not only affect the present generation but also pose a dire threat to the future of our nation. The destruction of arable land and water sources compromises food security and the health of countless communities, with children and vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of these impacts.
The involvement of traditional leaders in illegal mining activities is particularly alarming. Chiefs are custodians of the land and are entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting their communities. When they betray this trust for personal enrichment, they not only undermine their authority but also erode the cultural and moral foundations of the society they are supposed to lead.
It is also worth noting the role of government institutions, such as the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), in this matter. However, the effectiveness of these institutions is often hampered by corruption, weak enforcement and political interference. The fight against illegal mining requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society and the general public.
The Asantehene’s actions should serve as a wake-up call to all those involved in, or complicit with illegal mining. The destruction of our environment and the exploitation of our resources for short-term gain must end. It is time for a renewed commitment to sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of our natural heritage.
The Asantehene has set a powerful example by destooling the Chiefs involved in galamsey. It is now up to all of usto follow his lead and take decisive action against those who seek to destroy our land and our future. The time to act is now!
