In a press conference held on May 22, 2024, at the Kotoku Palace in Akim Oda, the Chiefs and Elders of the Akyem Kotoku State called for the immediate removal of Hon. Remond Nana Damptey, the Birim North District Chief Executive.
The press conference was marked by a tense atmosphere, with the Chiefs and Elders donning red and black clothing to symbolize their discontent.
Hon. Damptey was accused of being deeply involved in illegal mining operations, known locally as galamsey, in the Ntronang enclave and other parts of the Birim North District.
To support their claims, the Chiefs circulated photographs showing one of Damptey’s mining sites, which is prominently visible to those travelling on the Ayirebi-Ntronang-Abirem road.
Nana Asiedu Akora, the Ntronanghene, emphasized the ongoing nature of Damptey’s activities, stating, “The DCE continues his galamsey operations undeterred.
He is sponsoring hundreds of labourers at various sites in the Ntronang enclave, causing significant damage to rivers and lands.”
Akora also highlighted the failure of numerous attempts to halt Damptey’s actions. “Every attempt to bring Hon. Damptey in line has failed. He doesn’t respect traditional authority and ignores calls from Ntronang residents to stop the environmental degradation.”
Recalling a recent incident, Akora described how Damptey was confronted by the youth of Ntronang when he attempted to speak at a local event.
The youth, angered by his destructive mining activities, shouted him down and nearly charged at him, but the situation was defused by police intervention.
Described by many Chiefs as rude and disrespectful, Damptey has consistently refused to attend meetings with the Akyem Kotoku Chiefs and Elders, despite numerous verbal and written invitations.
This persistent disregard has led to a unanimous call for his removal from office. The Chiefs and Elders have warned President Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP government of potential consequences if immediate action is not taken.
While President Akufo-Addo has publicly condemned illegal mining and invested heavily in combating it, the involvement of his appointees in such activities undermines his administration’s efforts.
The Chiefs’ demands underscore the urgent need for accountability and decisive action against those perpetuating environmental degradation.
