Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled Nana Gyau Baffour Atuonin, the Gyasehene of Sabronum, and two other chiefs for their participation in and assistance with illicit mining operations in the region.
This implies that the chiefs’ positions and duties have been taken away from them.
This comes after local youth and citizens petitioned the Asanteman Traditional Council about the ongoing damage of farmlands and waterways caused by illegal miners’ operations.
Due to their involvement in illicit mining activities in the region, the Asantehene called the Gyasehene, Akyeamehene, and Baamuhene to the Manhyia Palace on Monday.
The Chiefs are Gyasehene of Sabronum, Nana Gyau Baffour Atuonin, Akyeameahene, Nana Osei Kwadwo and Baamuhene, Nana Tabiri Gyansah.
He was referring to a National Bureau of Investigation report that was given to him following his directive to look into illicit mining operations in Sabronum.
He threatened to have the chiefs arrested if they persisted in their actions.
When the Chiefs went before the Asanteman Traditional Council last week, the irate youth of Sabronum expressed their dismay that they were not able to address their concerns regarding illicit mining.
Following his repeated warnings against traditional rulers in the Asante Kingdom for supporting or participating in illicit mining activities, the Asantehene is taking a harsher stance against his chiefs.
