Traditional leaders of Aboso in the Western Region have issued a stern warning to local executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of attempting to seize stool lands for illegal mining and undermining the authority of chiefs.

The Odikro of Aboso, Nana Kwasi Appiah II, signed a statement on behalf of the traditional council, describing the conduct of some NDC members as a direct threat to peace, security, and sustainable development in the community.

“We find these statements unfortunate, worrying, and a threat to peace and security in Aboso.”
Traditional leaders of Aboso

The warning follows remarks by Mr. Dela, chairman of the Aboso NDC branch, who, according to the chiefs, used a local radio platform on August 14 to denounce the joint anti-galamsey efforts of both government and traditional leaders.

Mr. Dela is reported to have vowed to use his connections with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and other senior government officials to block ongoing clampdowns on illegal mining in the area, particularly around a hotspot known as “Gangway.”

The Chiefs appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, the Lands Minister, the Western Regional Minister, and security agencies to step in swiftly to forestall conflict.

According to Nana Appiah II, the chiefs’ cooperation with government in tackling galamsey has earned praise across the region, yet political interference undermines this progress.

“Our support for the state’s fight against illegal mining has been welcomed and applauded but attempts to politicise it threaten not only our lands but also the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
Traditional leaders of Aboso

The traditional council also dismissed attempts by an individual presenting himself as “Nana Asante” to claim authority as a rival chief. They described his actions as deliberate efforts to create division and confusion.

The Chiefs stressed, “There is only one Odikro of Aboso, and that is Nana Kwasi Appiah II,” urging the public to disregard the “false claims” of impostors.

Chiefs warned that attempts to distort traditional authority would not be tolerated and could spark needless conflict if not checked by security agencies.

Illegal Occupation of Lands

The Aboso chiefs further accused certain NDC operatives of forcibly occupying stool lands in the aftermath of the December 2024 elections, establishing makeshift wooden structures, and using the space for illegal mining and other social vices.

They argued that the land belongs to the people of Aboso and not to partisan groups.

“Aboso stool lands do not belong to any ruling party members who have suddenly arrogated to themselves as managers of Aboso lands, as alluded to by Mr. Dela, the Aboso NDC chairman.”
Traditional leaders of Aboso

The chiefs demanded the immediate clearance of squatters and illegal structures erected on the land, stressing that leaving them in place would embolden further acts of impunity. They called for enforcement action from state agencies to reclaim the land and restore it to community use.

The chiefs also issued a stark caution, stating that if government fails to act, they may be forced to defend their lands through traditional authority.

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“Nananom will have no option but to use all available means to defend and protect our lands.
“We urge the government to ensure that those groups who have pitched camp and erected wooden structures for their nefarious acts on our lands are cleared with immediate effect.”
Traditional leaders of Aboso

The statement emphasized that the traditional council’s priority is to preserve peace and protect Aboso’s heritage, but that peace cannot coexist with illegality and political arrogance.

The incident underscores growing tensions in mining communities across Ghana, where stool lands often overlap with contested political interests.

With illegal mining continuing to devastate rivers, forests, and farmlands, chiefs have increasingly taken bold positions in support of government’s anti-galamsey drive. However, their efforts are frequently met with resistance from groups that benefit financially or politically from galamsey activities.

For now, all eyes are on government and security agencies to respond to the chiefs’ demands, ensure accountability, and reaffirm that Ghana’s stool lands cannot be hijacked for partisan gain.