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.

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.

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 emphasised.