Fight Against Galamsey in Ashanti Region: Otumfuo Strikes Again; Destools 3 More Chiefs

The determination by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to fight galamsey from all angles moved another step forward on Monday, August 26 when he destooled three chiefs in Sabronum in the Ashanti Region.

The three, made up of the Gyaasehene, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, the Akyeameahene, Nana Osei Kwadwo, and the Baamuhene, Nana Tabiri Gyansah, were found complicit in the illegal act, and the King acted accordingly.

This comes after similar destoolments in other parts of the region in the past few years.

Petition
The latest destoolments followed a petition sent to the Asantehene by some concerned individuals from the Sabronum Traditional Area.

At the Asanteman Council Meeting at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, the petition against the chiefs was read before Nananom.

The petitioners accused the Gyaasehene of being neck-deep in illegal mining activities leading to massive destruction of lands in the area.

In line with natural justice, the 3 chiefs, were given the opportunity to make their case before nananom.

NIB Investigations
Delivering his verdict, the Asantehene said he asked the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to go into the allegation against the Gyaseehene and their report indicated his complicity in the matter.

In line with customs and tradition, the distilled chiefs had their sandals removed before nananom.

Arrest
Otumfuo further warned that he would cause the arrest of the Gyasehene if he attempted to do anything funny afterwards. He chastised the DCE of the area for not demonstrating leadership to have the Gyasehene arrested when he found him engaged in galamsey.