Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of Asante, has garnered praise for taking decisive action against some of his subordinate chiefs who were accused of involvement in illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.” Hon. Akwasi Darko Boateng, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho Constituency, commended Otumfuo for his decision to dethrone certain chiefs due to their illegal activities.
“I’m happy that, the overlord of the Asante Kingdom Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he will destool any Chief who engages in illegal mining activity (galamsey). It is a good step that comes to support the decision by President Akufo-Addo to fight galamsey”, Hon Akwasi Darko Boateng.
During a media interview, the lawmaker acknowledged that galamsey in the area was causing significant harm to water bodies and emphasized the need for better management of the situation. He also accused some local chiefs of granting land to these unlawful miners, leading to the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves.
“Some of the Chiefs who are bitterly complaining about the menace are the same people who release lands for these galamseyers”. He claimed
Otumfuo Osei Tutu destools five Chiefs
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has publicly dethroned at least five chiefs for various misconducts. The reasons for their removal from office included involvement in the illicit sale of land, engagement in galamsey mining activities, and neglecting their duties related to the stool and land matters. Among the five chiefs, Antoahene Nana Owusu Agyeman I was dethroned in May for bypassing the Asantehene and appointing his nephew to assume his position. Kwasohene Nana Nketia Bampon faced destoolment in June following allegations of receiving a payment of GH120,000 to secure a vacant ‘Dikro’ stool at Kwaso and being involved in multiple land sales. Bekwai-Abodomhene Nana Saforo Koto was removed from his position in August due to charges related to the sale of land to illegal miners. Nkonsohene Nana Osei Tiri II was dethroned for showing disrespect towards a ruling made by the Asantehene in a land dispute, and Abuontemhene Nana Kwaku Duah III faced destoolment on Monday, August 21.
