The Overlord of the Akyem Abuakwa State, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has urged state security agencies to respect and enforce decisions made by the House of Chiefs on chieftaincy matters, saying this is crucial to resolving disputes in the Eastern region.
The Okyehene made the call when the Eastern Regional National Security Liaison Officer, Francis Annor Dompreh, paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday, December 3, at the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi to discuss the rising chieftaincy disputes in Akyem.
He warned that the growing influence of politicians and external actors in traditional affairs undermines the authority and dignity of chiefs.
“The infiltration of politicians and power outside, trying to give directions on chieftaincy matters, is worrying. The involvement of security agencies in chieftaincy matters weakens us and makes the whole thing a joke. The security should respect and enforce decisions by the House of Chiefs,” he said.
On illegal mining (galamsey), Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin recounted his sustained efforts against the menace, stressing that stopping galamsey has become increasingly difficult for both traditional leaders and the government.
“Galamseyers pelted stones at my car when I instructed people to stop them from destroying the lands and water bodies. The non-indigenes who were engaged in galamsey caused that impunity. All that I wanted to do was to stop this menace way back. When I reported galamseyers, I was accused of engaging in galamsey when I attempted to stop galamsey.
He added, “To weaken me because I was the advocate against it. I suffered for that. It even affected the projects I was doing abroad. Why would I do galamsey when I can do the proper mine? All the lands in Akyem belong to me. No chief can stop me from proper mining, not even the government if I want to do proper mining.”
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mr Annor Dompreh described the engagement as fruitful.
He expressed optimism that with the Okyehene’s deep understanding and experience, issues relating to galamsey, sand winning, land-guard activities, conflicts, and the recent rise in murder cases within his jurisdiction will see significant improvement.
