The Bono Region’s Dormaa Traditional Area features a traditional ruler who has been destooled for reportedly accepting bribes from illegal miners.
The Mmrengyahene (sub-chief) of the Dormaa Traditional Area, the Ankobea Royal Family of the Area, and Nana Ansu Agyei were sealed in destoolment by customary rites performed by the Ankobea Royal Family.
Ankobea Royal Family formed a commission under Nana Agyei’s leadership to combat illegal mining in the region prior to his destooling.
Announcing the destoolment at Amasu, Barimah Dei Kusi Gyabaah, the Ankobeahene (sub-chief) of the Dormaa Traditional Area, said that his removal was due to police investigations into bribery charges made against the chief, who was unable to establish his innocence.
He clarified that the decision was made to support Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyemang Badu, the Dormaa Traditional Area’s paramount chief, in his efforts to stop illicit mining operations within the traditional area and to act as a warning to other sub-chiefs in the area who share his views.
According to Barimah Gyabaah, the committee learned about the sub-chief’s involvement and bribery of local illegal miners approximately a month ago, rather than assisting in the suppression of their unethical practices.
“Immediately, I called the chief to ask him about the matter, however, he could not deny the allegation of bribery levelled against him”, he stated.
“So, we handed the matter to the police who arrested him for further interrogations and investigations”, Barimah Gyabaah stated and added police investigations revealed that the “chief took the bribe”.
He explained together with other sub-chiefs of the Ankobea Royal Family, including the chiefs of Kwameasua, Benkum, and Nkrakwanta, the decision was taken against the chief.
“We declared that from today the authority given to him by the Ankobea division as a sub-chief has been revoked and the necessary customary rites have been performed to remove him as a result of the bribe he took”.
“This is to serve as a strict deterrent to others and remind all that the royal family is serious with the fight against galamsey and no one would be spared if found culpable”.
Barimah Gyabaah said investors had shown interest in investments and creating more jobs in the Traditional Area, saying “We can’t afford to degrade and destroy our environment.”
Source: GNA