Assin Chiano Queen Mother Destooled over Alleged Galamsey and Leadership Misconduct

Cape Coast (Central Region), Dec. 17, – Traditional authorities of Assin Ayaase/Achiano in the Assin North District have destooled Nana Abena Kyeiwaa II, the Queen Mother of the area, following allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities and breaches of community leadership protocols.

Nana Perkoh Akwasi Awuah Gyetua, Krontihene of Assin Ayaase/Achiano, who led the customary destoolment rites on Saturday, stated that the action was taken due to her alleged participation in galamsey, sand winning, and logging operations in the community.

The Krontihene also cited alleged misconducts by Nana Kyeiwaa II, which he claimed violated the customs, traditions, and leadership ethics of the Assin Atandansu Traditional Area. He said she had attempted to install a new Chief without consulting the kingmakers or the Asona and Bretuo royal families, showing disregard for established leadership protocols.

He further accused the destooled Queen Mother of creating divisions among royal families, fostering insecurity and instability, and failing to account for financial support received from a mining company, Rock Stars. According to the Krontihene, she had repeatedly ignored summons and community protocols while neglecting essential community needs, including health, education, water, sanitation, roads, and electricity. He also alleged she empowered land guards and thugs who fired guns, instilling fear in residents.

In her response, Nana Kyeiwaa II denied all allegations, asserting that the Krontihene leading the destoolment had himself been previously destooled and therefore lacked authority to act. She refuted claims of involvement in illegal mining, instead accusing the Krontihene of complicity.

The Queen Mother stated that she had collaborated with the Assemblyman and elders to remove illegal miners and had installed a new Chief only after widespread community consultation following the death of the previous Chief. She also maintained that she had rendered financial accounts to the community in 2023 and 2024 and denied disobeying directives from the Omanhen of the Atandansu Traditional Area, noting that any misunderstanding had been resolved.

GHBUSS