Curbing Galamsey In Ashanti Region: Otumfuo Strikes Again, Destools Ohwim Chief

Asantehene Otumfuo has destooled Nana Kusi Baaye II, the chief of Ohwim, for committing several offences, including illegal mining.

The chief, who had been on the stool for 16 years, was also found guilty of additional offences such as desecration of the Great Oath, extortion, and illegal sale of lands.

His destoolment occurred during a Kumasi Traditional Council meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Manhyia Palace. It marked the fourth time since last year that Otumfuo had destooled a chief within his kingdom for engaging illegal mining.

Desecration of the Great Oath

Nana Kusi Baaye was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for the charges of desecrating the Great Oath of the Asantehene, following complaints lodged by individuals, including the Dwumakye Baapanin, his sister, the family head, and a former Biemso chief.

False Witnessing

Furthermore, he was found guilty of soliciting a bribe of GHc 6,000 to testify in favour of a party in a chieftaincy dispute.

Sale of Lands

Additionally, the chief was found to have sold over 200 plots of land belonging to the town, pocketing the proceeds for himself.

Galamsey

Regarding illegal mining (locally known as galamsey), a former chief of Biemso accused the Ohwim chief of seizing land in the name of the Otumfuo and conducting illegal mining activities in Biemso. “He told us that Otumfuo had taken the land for a solar project. We later realized that he was actually engaging in galamsey activities on it, and now the entire area has been devastated,” he stated.

The King’s Verdict

In his verdict, Otumfuo stated that there was ample evidence that the chief had desecrated the Great Oath. “Just look at all the allegations brought against you today. Many have sacrificed to protect the Golden Stool, and I will not allow you to destroy it,” Otumfuo declared, and then ordered that the necessary rites be performed to signify the chief’s destoolment.

His sandals were immediately removed in accordance with Asante tradition and custom.