The Omanhene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area (Oda) and two Chinese nationals have been arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, at Akyem Amenam in the Abirem District of the Eastern Region.
A personal aide to the chief has also been remanded in connection with the brutal killing of an Okada rider, Kwaku Eric, who was reportedly attacked by a gang protecting the mining interests of the Oda Manhene.
The chief was arrested at the Police Headquarters in Accra, where he had gone with two police officers to secure bail for the two Chinese nationals, earlier picked up by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) of the Ghana Police Service.
The two were arrested for their involvement in illegal operations of Chester Gold Enterprise, a company said to belong to the Oda Manhene, which is accused of mining unlawfully on a concession allocated to Sikadwaso Global Limited—a licensed entity awaiting final documentation from the Minerals Commission.
Despite several arrests of the Chinese nationals and other gang members, the Oda Manhene is alleged to have continuously protected their activities.
On at least two occasions, he and the Abirem Police Commander reportedly interfered with SIU efforts by blocking police checkpoints to prevent the suspects from being transported to Accra.
After these attempts failed, the chief personally followed up at the Police Headquarters, where he was made to write a statement and later granted bail, with instructions to return alongside the Chinese nationals.
Tensions have since escalated in Akyem Amenam following the death of 29-year-old Kwaku Eric, who was beaten into a coma and later died at the Abirem Government Hospital.
He left behind a pregnant wife and two young children. Eric was attacked after questioning why the gang was assaulting a roasted corn seller suspected of being an informant for Sikadwaso Global Limited.
The Northern community in the area, angered by what they see as total neglect by the chief, has issued strong warnings, threatening retaliation if justice is not served.
Community leaders expressed outrage and demanded immediate action, stating that no peace talks will be tolerated until the killers are brought to book and the activities of Chester Gold Enterprise are permanently halted.
The persistent violence and threats against the community, especially the owners of Sikadwaso Global Limited, have left residents living in fear.
The situation has been worsened by growing ethnic tensions and fears of reprisal attacks following the Okada rider’s death. Residents of Akyem Amenam are now appealing to the Minister for the Interior, the Inspector General of Police, and President John Dramani Mahama to intervene urgently.
They warn that failure to act decisively could plunge the area into full-scale conflict driven by illegal mining and rising community resentment.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
