Asantehene Dethrones Bekwai-Abodom Chief Over Galamsey

The overload of the Asante Kingdom, (Asantehene), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled the Chief of Bekwai-Abodom, Nana Saforo Koto on allegations of his involvement in illegal mining popularly known as galamsay.

According to reports, the destoolment became necessary following the Bekwai-Abodom chief’s failure to prove his innocence after 20 cases of his alleged involvement in galamsey was reported to the Asantehene.

The residents accused the chief of willingly and indiscriminately selling pieces of land to artisanal miners.

In addition, Nana Saforo Koto was accused of neglecting his town for seven years, resulting in the abandonment of performing his traditional and ritual rites within the stool house, as well as other customary obligations.

The sub-chiefs under the jurisdiction of the Bekwai-Abodomhene have expressed discontent with his disregard for essential traditional customs tied to his position. 

During the proceedings at the Asanteman Traditional Council, Otumfuo Kyeame Kwaku Owusu revealed that the destooled Chief failed to respond to all the charges levelled against him when he was given the chance to address the allegations.

Consequently, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II pronounced the embattled chief guilty of all the charges and destooled him after hearing from the various divisional Chiefs.

Before the celebrations of the Asantehene’s 25th Anniversary, several chiefs involved in illegal mining activities will be destooled if found guilty as part of attempts to put a stop to the pollution of river bodies through illegal mining.