NAIMOS Arrests in Aowin Galamsey Case: Gazetted Chiefs Warn Against Unauthorized Use of Traditional Authority

Gazetted chiefs in the Aowin Traditional Area have distanced themselves from an armed group linked to galamsey operations, following NAIMOS arrests of thugs who claimed traditional backing. Read the full statement and situation breakdown here.

Full Story:
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing fight against illegal mining, gazetted chiefs in the Aowin Traditional Area have issued a strong statement disassociating themselves from an armed group arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), after the suspects claimed they were acting under traditional authority in their extortion of illegal miners.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) Taskforce recently apprehended the group during a targeted operation in the Nyankamam-Armori forest of the Aowin Municipality, Western North Region. The suspects were found in possession of weapons and talismans, raising serious concerns about organized criminality and the assertion of traditional authority as a cover for illegal conduct.
The 10 armed thugs who claim to have links with the Aowin Paramount Chief are said to operate with impunity and extort monies from Galamseyers, thereby emboldening illegal mining activities in the Aowin municipality.
This latest development prompted a public response from the gazetted chiefs within the traditional area, who called a press conference in Enchi to address the matter.
Gazetted Chiefs Call for Clarity, Deny Association with Arrested Individuals
In a strongly-worded press statement, signed by key members of the Aowin Traditional Council, the legitimate, gazetted chiefs distanced themselves from the individuals and any alleged illegal activity linked to traditional leadership.
“We, the undersigned gazetted chiefs within the Aowin Traditional Area, wish to categorically state that we are not in any way associated with the recent actions or decisions of individuals claiming traditional mandate or operating under a disputed position,” the chiefs stated.
This deliberate wording reflects the sensitive nature of the situation, as the legality of who is rightful Omanhene of Aowin is currently a matter before the courts. Thus, the chiefs refrained from directly naming any individual or title in dispute while making clear their disavowal of unauthorized actions conducted in the name of the traditional authority.
Chiefs Urge Authorities to Intervene, Uphold Rule of Law
In their statement, the gazetted chiefs also called on relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ghana Police Service, and the National House of Chiefs, to act swiftly to clarify matters and discourage further impersonation of traditional authority.
“We therefore call on the authorities to treat any representation, decision, or public action by individuals claiming traditional mandate without legal backing as unauthorized and illegitimate,” the chiefs emphasized.

PRESS CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Issued by the Gazette Chiefs within the Aowin Traditional Area
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, members of the Aowin community, and the general public, good morning.
We, the undersigned gazetted chiefs within the Aowin Traditional Area, wish to categorically state that we are not in any way associated with the recent actions or decisions of the self-acclaimed Omanhene of Enchi, whose chieftaincy position remains ungazetted and under dispute.
Our attention has been drawn to various illegal activities, including issues connected to illegal mining (galamsey) within the Aowin enclave, allegedly involving the said individual. We want to make it abundantly clear that we, the gazetted and legitimate traditional leaders, do not endorse or condone any act that undermines the laws of Ghana, the environmental integrity of our land, or the peace and dignity of our traditional council.
We also wish to inform the government, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the National and Regional Houses of Chiefs, and all relevant security agencies that several cases are currently pending against the said individual. We therefore call on the authorities to treat any representation, decision, or public action by him as unauthorized and illegitimate.
We remain committed to supporting government efforts in combating illegal mining, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring respect for traditional authority that is rooted in legality, transparency, and accountability.

Thank you.

Signed:
• Nana Kwojo Berimah Sikantia, Acting Chief, Aowin Traditional Council
• Nana Kwame Nkansah II, Asemkrom Manhene / PRO, Aowin Traditional Council
• Nana Addae II, Member, Aowin Traditional Council