Dr. George Domfeh, a Development Economist and Research Fellow at the University of Ghana, praised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for destooling three chiefs engaged in galamsey activities in the region.
Speaking as a panelist on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on September 2, 2024, he expressed that galamsey could be eradicated if Otumfuo chose to penalize chiefs involved by stripping them of their chieftaincy titles.
“I want to commend Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. He has done very well by taking action against the chiefs. If he continues on this path, galamsey will be completely eliminated in the country,” he said.
He alleged that, out of the 66 paramountcies in the Asantehene’s jurisdiction, many chiefs are involved in illegal mining activities without his knowledge.
“The reason I’m saying this is that I know there are about 66 paramountcies under Otumfuo’s jurisdiction. So, if he has destooled the Sabronum chief, then it’s worth commendation. There is another town that used to be in the same district with Bekwai; galamsey has completely destroyed the township.
“So, the chief should investigate the Obuasi and Bekwai areas. He should form taskforces to go around and destool all the chiefs. If he starts doing that, and all the 66 paramountcies under him stop engaging in galamsey activities, Ghana will progress,” he added.
His comments are in response to the destoolment of three chiefs by the Asantehene in the Ashanti Region for their involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).
The three chiefs – Gyaasehene of Sabronum, Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, Sabronum’s Akyeamehene, and the Baamuhene – have been prohibited from carrying out any traditional duties on behalf of the Asantehene, who is the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom.
The Asantehene subsequently appointed the Akwamuhene of Sabronum as the interim caretaker of the area to oversee the election of a new candidate, Kofi Asante, as part of the process to enstool a new chief in the area.
MAG/OGB
