Hwediem chiefs back Mahama’s anti-galamsey push

Traditional leaders in Hwediem say they fully support President John Mahama’s renewed assault on illegal mining while urging the government to free innocent residents affected by last month’s joint police–military operation in the Ahafo Region.

The chiefs made the appeal after security forces conducted dawn raids in Kenyasi and Hwediem following reports that operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) had been held hostage at the Hwediem Police Station.

The incident triggered nationwide concern about escalating confrontations between anti-galamsey taskforces and groups of unidentified youth. More than 150 people were arrested, transported to Kumasi, and later remanded as investigations continued.

Mawerehene Baffour Nsia-Awuah reaffirmed the Traditional Council’s commitment to the national anti-galamsey effort, describing it as essential to protecting the country’s natural resources.

“We support the President’s resolve to restore discipline in our natural resource sector,” he said. “Illegal mining threatens our water bodies, our security, and our collective future. The Traditional Council stands firmly with the government in this fight.”

He stressed that the chiefs would collaborate with security agencies to maintain order, adding that anyone involved in the viral video that captured threats against NAIMOS officials would face consequences.

“Anyone who appeared in that viral video threatening NAIMOS personnel and returns to Hwediem will be handed over to the police without hesitation,” he said. “We cannot allow a few individuals, many of them non-natives, to tarnish the long-standing reputation of our town.”

Adontenhene Baffour Kyei Anarfi appealed directly for the release of residents he described as victims of indiscriminate arrests. “Among those detained were travellers, workers, roadside preachers, and even patients going to the hospital,” he said. “We humbly appeal to the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to ensure that innocent persons do not continue to suffer unjustly.”

He noted that while the community supports firm action against illegal mining, enforcement must be guided by fairness and sound judgement to avoid harming uninvolved residents.

Seeking to preserve the area’s image, Benkumhene Nana Asirifi Gyimah Dadeako dismissed claims that Hwediem is becoming a security trouble spot.

“Hwediem has always been a peaceful town, welcoming traders, investors and travellers from all parts of the country, including foreign companies,” he said. “This is a district capital and a major transit route. We reject any attempt to portray our community as violent or unsafe.”

He urged businesses to remain confident in Hwediem as a stable environment for investment and economic activity.

Baffour Nsia-Awuah repeated the chiefs’ determination to prevent future disturbances. “What happened was unlawful, unacceptable and deeply disrespectful,” he said. “We condemn it without reservation. The Traditional Council does not condone any form of unlawful behaviour.”

He added that the chiefs remain committed to promoting peace, development and respect for the rule of law in Hwediem and across the region.