The Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annor Dompreh, together with his two deputies, Alhaji Sumaila Mahama and Abubakar Sadique, have paid a courtesy call on the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, at his palace in Kyebi to seek collaboration in addressing growing security concerns within the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and Eastern Region at large.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Francis Annor Dompreh noted that the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area remains one of the hotspots for chieftaincy disputes, a situation he said continues to pose significant security threats.
“It was necessary, very important and prudent to pay Okyehene a visit and kindly ask for his support in resolving chieftaincy disputes. Most of the issues we are dealing with—galamsey, land and sand weaning conflicts, land guard related land issues, and the alarming rise in murder cases—fall within his traditional jurisdiction,” he stated.
He emphasized that the Okyehene, as the Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa, plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges due to his extensive experience and traditional authority.
The Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer disclosed that the discussion was fruitful, with the Okyehene acknowledging the issues and expressing readiness to assist in restoring peace and stability.
“He accepted our request wholeheartedly and assured us that the traditional council has the necessary records and processes to determine legitimate chiefs. We will work hand-in-hand to ensure peace, which is key to development,” he added.
Concerns over Rising Murder Cases
The Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer ,Francis Annor Dompreh expressed deep concern, describing the trend as disturbing and unpredictable.
He explained that cases of individuals killing others over minor provocations have sharply increased, making prevention difficult.
“With little provocation, someone pulls a gun, knife or cutlass. These are acts we didn’t witness frequently in the past, but now almost every week we record such cases,” he lamented.
He warned that as Christmas festivities approach—accompanied by drinking and increasing social activities—the trend may worsen if proactive steps are not taken.
Francis Annor Dompreh stated that REGSEC is studying these patterns closely to understand the psychological drivers behind such violent acts for coordinated solution.
Okyenhene
In his remarks, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin commended National Security Regional Liaison officer and his deputies for visiting him to discuss security issues aim at enhancing peace.
The Okyehene linked the rise in murder cases and other violent crimes to illegal mining activities, which he said have brought moral breakdown and emboldened criminal elements.
He recounted incidents where illegal miners had the audacity to attack his convoy with stones—an indication that some of them no longer fear traditional authority.
“Illegal miners are not afraid of chiefs; they fear only state security. Foreigners have infiltrated our mining communities and are influencing locals, who now believe they must also take part so that foreigners don’t exploit their resources,” he stated.
He urged government to decentralize mining regulatory agencies to enhance supervision and curb illegal mining, describing the centralized system as ineffective.
“Stopping galamsey has become a tough call for chiefs,” he admitted.
Okyenhene also called on state security agencies to respect decisions of the House of Chiefs on chieftiancy matters to enforce those decisions to help resolve chieftiancy disputes in the region.
Source:Mybrtyfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
