Barekese Youth Petition Otumfuo Over Alleged Galamsey Links to Their Chief

Barekese Youth Petition Otumfuo Over Alleged Galamsey Links to Their Chief

Some concerned youth of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to investigate allegations linking their chief, Nana Amoapem Brenya, to illegal mining activities in Yad, a farming community in the Ahafo Ano South-West District.

According to the aggrieved youth, cocoa farmers at Yad have complained that their farmlands were destroyed by galamsey operations led by Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Twumasi. The miners allegedly claimed they were operating with the full backing of Nana Amoapem Brenya, who is also Odikro of Yad, and further alleged that the chief had received GH₵200,000 as part of the arrangement. The youth say such claims, if proven true, tarnish the image of Barekese and contradict Otumfuo’s strong stance against illegal mining.

The farmers, whose cocoa farms have been destroyed, say their livelihoods are under severe threat. Leaders of the Barekese Concerned Youth Association  including Mr. Amankwatia Arhin (Leader), Mr. Bismark Kwame Berko (Unit Committee Chairman), Mr. Akwasi Danso (Asenie Unit Committee Chairman), and Mr. Latif Amadu (Association Member)  have confirmed the concerns and are calling on the King to step in. They believe only Otumfuo’s intervention can restore confidence in traditional leadership and bring relief to the farmers.

Contacts for more details:

Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Twumasi (Galamsey Operators’ Financial) – 0548993854

Mr. Amankwatia Arhin (Leader, Barekese Concerned Youth Association) – 0244149311

Mr. Bismark Kwame Berko (Unit Committee Chairman) – 0246778634

Mr. Akwasi Danso (Asenie Unit Committee Chairman) – 0245920547

Mr. Latif Amadu (Youth Association Member) – 0243744668

Story by: Sibo Yamoah