An anti-galamsey group called “Concerned Citizens of Asamang-Tamfoe ” with membership of over one thousand (1,000) both in Ghana and abroad particularly the United State of America , Germany and Italy, have petitioned the Judicial Committee of Akyem Abuakwa Council to investigate Osabarima Kwame Koh II , the Chief of Asamang- Tamfoe for engaging in illegal mining under the guise of community mining.
The group said ,the wanton and irresponsible destruction of forest, farmlands and pollution of river bodies by the illegal mining activities is endangering lives and threatening food security.
Mr. Yaw Owusu, the leader of the concern citizens of Asamang-Tamfoe, alleged that Osabarima Kwame Koh II and his sub chiefs have all been engaging in illegal mining using foreigners .
“People of Foreign descent have been allowed and in conjunction with chief of the town and sub-chiefs are dangerously engaging in illegal mining so close to the only portable source of good drinking water-the Tamfoe river . In face ,some of the mining sites almost end within the river bed causing so much discomfort and damages to the residents”.
“It is rumoured that the chief Nana Kwame Koh II ,himself is part of the illegal miners and indeed on 19 October 2022, 5 excavators were sized under an operation mounted by over 25 soldiers and carried away.One of the excavators is alleged to belong to the chief”.Portions of the petition stated.
The petitioners want Okyenhene to call the chief and other accomplices to order.
“Whilst we make this appeal for the intervention of Ofori Panin Fie ,we are ready to join hands to look at other means by which this menace can be thwarted legally”.
The petitioners also implicated some political figures in the illegal mining activities.
“We have tried to defend and occasionally defended the allegation that ,the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Abena Osei Asare and deputy Minister of Finance ,the District Chief Executive, Mr.Kwabena Panin Nkansah ,the immediate past constituency Chairman Mr.Albert Antwi, with support of the Regional Executives of the NPP in Koforidua are behind this illegal act.”
Mr. Yaw Owusu prayed the Judicial Council to garnishee an account at Adonteng Rural Bank which proceeds of the illegal mining is deposit.
He alleged the account has about 8 billion cedis which is being embezzled by the chiefs.
Some of the peasant farmers who followed the petitioners to Ofori Panin Fie expressed their resentment calling for urgent action to curb the menace before all farmlands and crops are destroyed.
But when contacted , Osabarima Kwame Koh denied the allegations.
He said he is ready to collaborate for investigation into the allegations against him.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Obed Ansah
