Chiefs in the Ashanti region, whose jurisdictions are under siege by illegal mining activities, are living in unending fear of being destooled by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The Overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom has adopted a name and shame strategy to expose chiefs who are complicit in the galamsey menace, following his avowed stance to fight illegal mining, which is dotted across the length and breadth of his domain.
Illegal mining is being done in about 30 out of the 43 districts in the Ashanti region, under the watch of chiefs and MMDCEs.
Examples of such illegal mining activities are occurring in the Manso and Adansi enclave of the Ashanti region, to Asante Akim Central (Konongo and Odumasi and Obenemase), Asante Akim South (Juaso), Bekwai, Koniyaw, Ahafo Ano South West (Mankranso, Kunsu and Dwenewoho) and areas like Akrokerri, Obuasi, Adansi Akrofuom, Amansie Central, Manso Nkwanta, Manso Adubia, Agroyesum, Eaase Bontefufuom, Ntotoroso, Diawuoso, Aduaneyede, Gyimiso, Mampamhwe, Patakro, Asokwa and Fomena.
A fortnight ago, the Asantehene destooled three chiefs from Sabronum in the Ahafo Ano South East district, making other chiefs tremble with fear, since they do not know who is next to follow.
The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has expressed worry over the situation, but it has yet to make any positive results as the illegal mining activities continue to spread to other parts of the region without restraint, resulting in the opening of deep pits over a vast area, degradation of forests and contamination of water bodies.
Having lost the fight against the menace at the governmental level, the Asantehene upheld that traditional authorities must be held accountable for illegal mining in their jurisdictions and followed it up with private investigations into the operations and activities of illegal miners in his kingdom.
His stance follows recommendations of a report he had held close to his chest for implementation, thus sending shivers down the spines of some chiefs, in anticipation of when Otumfuo’s axe strikes.
Meanwhile, emerging reports indicate that some MMDCEs and party executives are neck deep in the galamsey menace.
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