CHRAJ calls upon traditional leaders to emulate Asantehene in his fight against galamsey

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is urging traditional leaders throughout the country to take a cue from Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, in his campaign against illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”

CHRAJ commends Asantehene’s decision to remove chiefs involved in galamsey from their positions. Speaking at a forum in Kumasi, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mercy Larbi, emphasized that the fight against galamsey could make significant progress if other chiefs followed Asantehene’s lead.

“CHRAJ wishes to encourage other traditional authorities or leaders in the country to learn from Otumfuo’s example of using his traditional authority to hold chiefs answerable to him accountable for the violation of their responsibilities and environmental laws,” she added.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has publicly removed at least five chiefs from their positions for various reasons, including their involvement in illegal mining activities (galamsey), neglecting their duties, and land-related issues.

These destooled chiefs include Antoahene Nana Owusu Agyeman I, who was removed in May for bypassing the Asantehene and appointing his nephew to assume his position. Kwasohene Nana Nketia Bampon was destooled in June due to an alleged payment of GH120,000 to secure a vacant ‘dikro’ stool at Kwaso, as well as allegations of involvement in the sale of multiple lands.

Bekwai-Abodomhene Nana Saforo Koto was removed in August due to charges related to the sale of lands to illegal miners, while Nkonsohene Nana Osei Tiri II was destooled for disrespecting a ruling made by the Asantehene regarding land disputes. Lastly, Abuontemhene Nana Kwaku Duah III was removed from his position on Monday, August 21.