Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II faced surprising revelations when the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, exposed him regarding illegal mining activities (Galamsey) in the region.
During a meeting of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, the Dormaahene, who also serves as President of the House, asserted that there were no galamsey operations occurring in the region. He claimed that he and his colleagues would never permit such illegal activities to take place anywhere within their jurisdiction.
The meeting marked the first attendance of the regional minister since he assumed office.
Deception
In a seemingly deceptive manner, the Dormaahene told the regional minister, “I have never heard that anyone is engaged in galamsey in the Bono Region. If you hear that I, Agyemang Badu II, am involved in galamsey, arrest me.”
He also urged the communities to report anyone found engaging in galamsey activities to their traditional leaders so that they could take action.
Minister disputes claims
However, the regional minister challenged the Omanhene’s assertions. He explained that while those outside the region might believe it is free from galamsey, that is far from the truth. “I have been in office for about two months now, and the level of galamsey I have witnessed with my own eyes is astonishing,” he stated.
He added, “Nananom, if we do not take immediate action to combat this problem, very soon, our arable lands and rivers will be destroyed, and we will face shortages of food and water.” He pledged to address the situation and bring it under control.
