Barekese youth petition Otumfuo to probe chief over alleged galamsey involvement

Some concerned youth of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality of the Ashanti Region have petitioned the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to investigate their chief, Nana Amoapem Brenya, over alleged links to illegal mining activities.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the leader of the group, Mr. Amankwaatia Arhin, alleged that cocoa farms in Yad, a farming community in the Ahafo Ano South-West District, had been destroyed by illegal miners led by one Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Twimasi.

According to Mr. Arhin, when the affected farmers confronted Mr. Twimasi, he admitted to engaging in galamsey but claimed he was operating with the approval of Nana Amoapem Brenya and the Odikro of Yad.

He further alleged that Mr. Twimasi said he had paid GH¢200,000 to the Barekese chief, who purportedly assured him that the money would be forwarded to Manhyia Palace to secure clearance for his operations — a claim that directly contradicts Otumfuo’s well-documented stance against illegal mining.

“The farmers are crying because their lifetime investments are being destroyed. The youth are also worried because these allegations are tarnishing the image of Barekese,” Mr. Arhin said.

Backing the call, Mr. Kwame Berko, a committee chairman in Barekese, confirmed that illegal mining activities were indeed taking place in the area.

He expressed concern that the operations were already affecting the health of residents.

He added that efforts to stop the miners had proven futile, as they often insisted that their financial contributions to local authorities gave them the right to operate.

The youth are therefore calling on the Asantehene to intervene, investigate the allegations, and take steps to protect farmlands and preserve the integrity of the Barekese community.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Antwi Boasiako John,  Kumasi.