The dramatic events that characterised the destoolment of Benkumhene of Asamang-Tamfoe by Okyenhene Amoatia Ofori Panin underscore the saying that “everybody has a master”.
Before his destoolment over illegal mining aka galamsey, Nana Boakye Darkwa wielded so much power within the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area as his title, Benkumhene is a traditional military title for the leader of the left-flank army of the state.
He however got into trouble with the overlord of the traditional area when his men clashed with the illegal mining taskforce that has the blessing of the Okyenehene, sparking gunfire exchanges in Asamang-Tamfoe a few days ago.
When the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council summoned him to respond to allegations that he was involved in illegal mining, Nana Boakye Darkwa declined.
“People of Foreign descent have been allowed and in conjunction with the chief of the town and sub-chiefs are dangerously engaging in illegal mining so close to the only portable source of good drinking water-the Tamfoe river. Some of the mining sites almost end within the river bed causing so much discomfort and damage to the residents.
“It is rumoured that the chief Nana Kwame Koh II himself is part of the illegal miners and indeed on 19 October 2022, 5 excavators were sized under an operation mounted by over 25 soldiers and carried away. One of the excavators is alleged to belong to the chief,” a petition by a group of residents in the community calling itself Concerned Citizens of Asamang Tamfoe to the Akyem Abuakwa judicial council on November 9, 2022, said.
The now-destooled chief had called a press conference after the violent clash between his men and the anti-illegal mining taskforce where he called the bluff of Okyenhene Amoatia Ofori Panin, warning the taskforce never to step in his jurisdiction or face his wrath.
Nana Boakye Darkwa eventually appeared before the traditional council on 21st November 2022 for a hearing. After being asked several tough questions the Benkumhene admitted guilt and lied prostrate to apologize to Okyenhene and the Akyem Abuakwa traditional council for his conduct.