The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled Nana Awua Gyau Atuomi, the Sabronum Gyaasehene, along with two other traditional leaders for their involvement in illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, in the Sabronum area. The other leaders implicated in the scandal include the Sabronum Akyeamehene and Baamuhene.
The decision came after the Asanteman Council reviewed a petition submitted by concerned residents from the Sabronum traditional area, which is currently without a paramount chief. The petition accused the Gyaasehene of engaging in illegal mining activities that have contributed to the destruction of the community’s sole source of drinking water, the River Asuonfou.
During the proceedings at the Manhyia Palace, the Gyaasehene denied the allegations, with the Kyeamehene providing supporting testimony. However, the Baamuhene and other traditional authorities opposed their defense, revealing that several leaders in the area were also involved in the illegal mining activities and had received payments from miners.
The Asantehene disclosed that he had previously ordered an investigation by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) into the Gyaasehene’s activities following earlier reports. The NIB’s findings confirmed the allegations of illegal mining.
As a result, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II destooled the three leaders and referred them to the police for prosecution. He also appointed the Akwamuhene of Sabronum as the interim caretaker of the area and supervised the election of Kofi Asante as the new candidate to be enstooled as chief.
