Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council Speaks on Shooting Incident at Asawinso “A”, Donates GH¢50,000 to Victims and Bereaved Family

Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council Speaks on Shooting Incident at Asawinso “A”, Donates GH¢50,000 to Victims and Bereaved Family

The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has strongly condemned the recent shooting incident at the Afao Hill Forest Reserve in Sefwi Asawinso “A”, where illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, are reportedly ongoing.

Speaking during an emergency meeting held with the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II described the incident as unfortunate and deeply disturbing after one person lost his life while several others sustained injuries.

According to him, the incident occurred within the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, with Asawinso “A” being one of the communities under the jurisdiction of the traditional council.

The Paramount Chief stressed that he does not support illegal mining activities in any form. However, he noted that traditional authorities are often sidelined when politicians formulate laws and policies concerning mining activities.

He explained that this has made it extremely difficult for chiefs and traditional leaders to openly fight against galamsey operations in their communities.

Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II further alleged that some influential politicians are involved in illegal mining activities, making it challenging for traditional authorities to effectively intervene.

He disclosed that even the Municipal Chief Executive for the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality has publicly admitted that the fight against illegal mining in the municipality has become increasingly difficult due to alleged political interference.

The President of the National House of Chiefs further stated that the affected youth who reportedly went to the forest reserve were fighting to protect the interest of their community and therefore deserve support during this difficult period.

As part of efforts to support the victims and the family of the deceased, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II personally donated GH¢20,000. Chiefs who attended the emergency meeting also contributed an additional GH¢20,000, while the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council donated GH¢10,000, bringing the total support to GH¢50,000 for the injured victims and the bereaved family.

He called for calm and urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the incident. He also appealed for stronger collaboration between government, security agencies, politicians, and traditional authorities in the fight against illegal mining to prevent future tragedies.

Source:Bibianinews.com