A disgruntled youth at Akyem Akoase, a mining and farming community in the Birim North District, have accused their Chief, Osaberima Aduako Gyasi of his alleged involvement in an ongoing illegal mining (Galamsey) in the area.
At a press conference on Monday, March 24, the youth called on President John Dramani Mahama, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey, and other relevant authorities to intervene.
According to the Akoase Youth Association, GH¢560,000 was allocated by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for community development, but the funds remain unaccounted for. When confronted, the chief allegedly responded that he used the money to refuel his vehicles.
Speaking to Republic Press, the youth leader, Kwadwo Asare, lamented that repeated efforts to get clarity on the use of the funds had been met with resistance. He further accused the chief of sidelining the youth in critical development discussions and colluding with Chinese nationals by granting them land for illegal mining operations.
The group also expressed concerns over severe environmental degradation, alleging that illegal mining activities—allegedly sanctioned by the chief—had destroyed over six local water bodies. Additionally, Akoase Senior High School is reportedly under threat due to the expansion of mining activities in the area.
“Akoase Youth, we are helpless. Our water bodies have been polluted by illegal mining operations orchestrated and protected by the chief,” said Tsikata, a brother of the Akoase Krontihene. “The chief has been extorting money from the community under various pretexts, including fees for water repairs and funeral donations. Now, he cannot account for the GH¢560,000 meant for rural development and farmer support.”
An attempt to get the chief’s response turned violent when armed men guarding his palace allegedly attacked journalists, including Republic Press reporter Andy Frimpong Manso, whom the chief had requested to meet.
Meanwhile, in a dramatic turn of events, on Friday, March 21, the youth arrested two Chinese nationals and three Ghanaian illegal miners, handing them over to the police. However, only the three Ghanaian suspects were processed by the Nkawkaw District Police Department. The Ghana Police Service has acknowledged receipt of the report and launched an investigation into both the mining activities and the circumstances surrounding the release of the Chinese suspects.
On Tuesday, March 25, the Mpraeso Circuit Court granted bail to the three Ghanaian suspects, who are set to reappear in court on April 25, 2025.
The situation remains tense, with the youth vowing to continue pressing for accountability and action against illegal mining in their community.
