The Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, has vehemently rejected allegations that he is involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, asserting his complete lack of connection to the practice. The denial, made during a morning show interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, has ignited a police investigation following reports of alleged involvement by two individuals in the Tanoso area of the Ahafo Region. Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, who has long been a prominent figure in the region’s traditional governance, stated unequivocally that he has no association with galamsey operations. He described the allegations as ‘a fabrication’ and insisted that he possesses a firm belief in his own spiritual convictions, specifically advocating for the Bible and schnapps, offering a symbolic response to the accusations. ‘I am a Methodist,’ he asserted, emphasizing his faith and belief in the divine guidance provided through spiritual practices. He further questioned the circumstances surrounding the allegations, stating that he had heard a man recently visiting Tanoso to conduct an interview and subsequently make comments concerning the issue. The individual in question, according to Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, is the Special Assistant to the MCE, Pius Sampson Opoku, identified as Mr. Adamu, and that the interview occurred at Tanoso. He revealed that the individual is not a native of Tanoso but originates from Susaso, a neighboring community, stating, ‘He is not from Tanoso. He is from a different town close to Tanoso called Susaso.’ This assertion follows a recent arrest by the Tanoso Police Command involving two individuals – Nana Amoako Atta, better known as Aseda Ben, the Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, and Alhassan Adamu, the Afrisipa Krom Youth Chairman – over alleged involvement in or cooperation with illegal mining activities in the Tanoso area. These arrests are reportedly linked to allegations of damage to farmlands, forests, and water bodies resulting from mining operations. The police have urged residents to actively support efforts aimed at combating illegal mining by providing crucial information to relevant authorities. The investigation, initiated by the Tanoso Police Command, focuses on the specific areas where mining activities have demonstrably contributed to land degradation. The authorities have stated that they are committed to ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources within the region, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts with traditional leaders and community members. The situation has sparked considerable public discussion, highlighting the complex relationship between traditional practices and contemporary economic development in Ghana. This incident represents a significant challenge to the authorities’ efforts to curb illegal mining, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the true extent of the problem.
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Source: Adom Online
