The Aowin Traditional Council and the Concerned Citizens of Aowin are urgently calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a volatile chieftaincy dispute that, they say, is jeopardizing peace, justice, and legitimate leadership within their traditional area.
In a detailed petition addressed to the President, the groups assert that their traditions are “under siege,” their peace is threatened, and residents are now living in an environment of fear and disruption.
At the heart of this turmoil, they allege, are the “unlawful actions and political manipulations” surrounding the installation and conduct of Mr. Thomas Antwi Adjei, who identifies himself as Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III.
Mr. Antwi Adjei faces serious accusations, including orchestrating violent reprisals against those who challenge his authority.
They cite the case of Mr. Koomson, who was reportedly severely beaten by vigilantes (resulting in the attackers’ incarceration), and the alleged assault on Nana Apena III, a respected chief of Sewum, by the same group.
The Traditional Council further accuses Mr. Antwi of actively engaging in illegal mining (galamsey), extorting funds from small-scale miners, and confiscating their equipment.
He is also alleged to have granted unauthorized access to protected forest lands, leading to significant environmental degradation.
In what the petitioners describe as a further affront to traditional authority, Mr. Antwi is accused of looting the Traditional Council’s office relocating official documents, furniture, and records without any mandate.
He is also alleged to have diverted community funds held in an authorized bank account for his personal use, falsely claiming it was on behalf of the council.
At a press conference held at the International Press Center in Accra, Nana Akwame Nkansah II, the Mponuahene of the Aowin Traditional Council and spokesperson for the Aowin Divisional Chiefs, highlighted a concerning “pattern of imposing illegitimate chiefs” in Boinso, Adum, and Amonie, where established traditional leaders already exist.
These actions, he stated, have not only created confusion but have also ignited deep-seated divisions within the affected communities.
Among other grievances, Mr. Antwi is accused of imposing a curfew in the area without consulting local authorities or security services, severely impacting daily life and economic activities.
Disturbingly, the murder of four individuals has also been linked to Mr. Antwi and his vigilante group, with eyewitness accounts and community reports cited by the petitioners.
In light of these allegations, the Aowin Traditional Council is demanding the immediate de-gazetting of Mr. Thomas Antwi Adjei as Omanhene of Aowin, the prosecution of all documented crimes and violations, and the restoration of lawful traditional leadership within the area.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
