Residents of Oseneso in the Wassa East District of Ghana’s Western Region have removed their chief, Nana Yaw Gyesi I, due to allegations of involvement in illegal mining operations within the community.
Locals indicated that the chief had been participating in galamsey activities for over a year. Previous attempts to address the issue were met with assurances from the chief that he would change, but reports suggest that the mining intensified, with additional excavators brought into the area.
Community elders noted that the illegal mining operations had significant social and environmental repercussions. These included rising teenage pregnancies, increased school dropouts, and damage to the community’s only river, which provides water to more than 10,000 people across 20 neighboring communities in both the Wassa East and Twifo-Attimorkwa districts.
The decision to destool the chief was made collectively by residents, who emphasized the need to protect the community and restore stability. Some residents expressed relief, seeing the action as a necessary step to safeguard their environment, ensure access to education, and prevent further social consequences caused by galamsey.
Nana Yaw Gyesi I has not responded to the allegations but indicated that he would make a statement at a later time to address the situation.
