The Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, has denied allegations that he is involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta was reportedly arrested by the Tanoso Police Command over alleged involvement in or cooperation with illegal mining activities in the area.
However, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, the traditional leader strongly dismissed the allegation, insisting that he has no connection with galamsey.
“I am a Methodist, and I believe in nananom. They can give me the Bible, and when it comes to spiritual matters, they can bring schnapps and eggs. I can boldly say that I don’t deal in galamsey,” he said.
Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta also questioned the circumstances surrounding the allegations against him.
He said he had heard that a man had recently visited Tanoso to conduct an interview and later made comments about the issue.
“Yesterday, they said some man came to do an interview at Tanoso. I heard he is the Special Assistant to the MCE, Pius Sampson Opoku, and that he did a press conference,” he said.
According to him, the individual is not a native of Tanoso but comes from Susaso, a nearby community.
“He is not from Tanoso. He is from a different town close to Tanoso called Susaso,” he added.
The Ankobeahene’s comments come after the Tanoso Police Command arrested two individuals over their alleged involvement in or cooperation with illegal mining activities in the Tanoso area of the Ahafo Region.
The suspects have been identified as Nana Amoako Atta, popularly known as Aseda Ben, the Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, and Alhassan Adamu, identified as the Afrisipa Krom Youth Chairman.
Their arrest is reportedly linked to allegations surrounding illegal mining activities at Adengo/Ponwaakrom and other areas where mining activities have allegedly contributed to the destruction of farmlands, forests and water bodies.
The police have urged residents to support efforts to combat illegal mining by providing relevant information to the appropriate authorities.
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