Gazetted chiefs in Aowin have distanced themselves from a group of armed individuals recently arrested in connection with galamsey operations in the municipality. The suspects claimed to act under traditional authority while extorting illegal miners, prompting the chiefs to call on government agencies to intervene and ensure swift investigations.
Background: Galamsey Challenges in Aowin
Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, continues to be a major challenge in Aowin Municipality and other parts of the Western North Region. Despite ongoing government efforts to curb unregulated mining, many illegal miners persist due to economic necessity, local complicity, and intimidation by armed groups claiming support from traditional authorities.
The recent arrests took place in the Nyankamam Armori forest, where the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, NAIMOS, apprehended ten individuals found in possession of weapons and talismans. The suspects claimed links with the Aowin Paramount Chief, dragging the Omanhene’s name into the scandal and raising public concern over the misuse of traditional authority as cover for criminal activity.
Gazetted Chiefs Respond
In a press release, the gazetted chiefs of Aowin issued a statement strongly disassociating themselves from the arrested individuals and any illegal acts carried out under the pretense of traditional authority.
“We, the undersigned gazetted chiefs within the Aowin Traditional Area, wish to categorically state that we are not in any way associated with the recent actions or decisions of individuals claiming traditional mandate,” the statement read.
Calls for Government Intervention
The gazetted chiefs urged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Ghana Police Service, and the National House of Chiefs, to take immediate steps to clarify legal authority of traditional leaders.
