Some aggrieved youth of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to investigate their chief, Nana Amoapem Brenya, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

At a press conference, the leader of the group, Mr. Amankwaatia Arhin, claimed that cocoa farmers in Yad, a farming community in the Ahafo Ano South-West District, have had their farms destroyed by illegal miners led by one Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Twimasi.

According to Mr. Arhin, when farmers confronted Mr. Twimasi, he admitted to engaging in the mining but allegedly insisted he had the authority of Nana Amoapem Brenya and the Odikro of Yad.

He further alleged that the miner claimed to have paid GH¢200,000 to Nana Amoapem Brenya, who purportedly told him the money was meant for Manhyia Palace to secure approval for his operations — despite the Asantehene’s well-known opposition to illegal mining.

“The farmers are crying because their lifetime investments are being destroyed.

The youth are also worried because such allegations are tarnishing the image of Barekese,” Mr. Arhin said.

Supporting the call, Mr. Kwame Berko, a committee chairman at Barekese, confirmed that galamsey activities were indeed ongoing and had already begun affecting the community’s health. \

He lamented that all attempts to stop the miners had failed, as they often claimed their money had been taken and therefore no one could prevent them from operating.

The youth are therefore appealing to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and investigate the matter to safeguard the integrity of their community and protect farmlands from further destruction.