The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled Sabronum Gyaasehene Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi for his involvement in illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, in the traditional area.
The other leaders include the Sabronum Akyeamehene and Baamuhene, Asaase News has confirmed.
The trio incurred the wrath of the King following a review of a petition submitted by some concerned inhabitants of the traditional area—currently without a paramount chief.
The document, read publicly before the Asanteman Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday (26 August), accused the Gyaasehene of engaging in illegal mining and contributing to the destruction of the area’s sole drinking water source, River Asuonfou.
During the proceedings, the Gyaasehene denied the allegations, supported by testimony from the Kyeamehene. However, other traditional authorities, including the Baamuhene, opposed him.
Testimonies revealed that many traditional leaders in the area were implicated in the illegal activities, with some receiving funds from miners.
Otumfuo disclosed that he had previously sanctioned an investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) into the Gyaasehene’s involvement, based on earlier reports.
The NIB’s findings confirmed the allegations.
The monarch has appointed the Akwamuhene of Sabronum as the interim caretaker of the area and supervised the election of a new candidate, Kofi Asante, as part of the process to enstool a new chief.
SOURCE: ASAASEONLINE
