The Ankobeahene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta, has denied allegations linking him to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, insisting that his outspoken stance against the practice has instead made him a target of suspicion.

Nana Amoako Atta said he has been actively involved in efforts to combat illegal mining in the area and regularly visits galamsey sites to monitor activities and support measures to stop the practice.

His comments follow his reported arrest alongside Alhassan Adamu, identified as the Afrisipa Krom Youth Chairman.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Amoako Atta explained that his recent involvement in handling mining equipment seized from an illegal mining site had been misconstrued as evidence of his involvement in galamsey.

According to him, members of the traditional council had earlier visited the police station to enquire about an illegal miner who had been arrested.

They were reportedly informed that the magistrate was on leave and that a court date would be communicated when she returned.

Nana Amoako Atta said despite waiting for further information, the traditional council did not hear back from the authorities.

He said during a subsequent visit to a galamsey site on Sunday, some seized mining equipment was found abandoned in the bush.

According to him, the Kyidomhene attempted to contact the police commander to determine what should be done with the items but could not reach him.

He said the chief subsequently instructed them to move the equipment to the palace for safekeeping.

Nana Amoako Atta explained that an aboboyaa was used to transport some of the items but could not carry everything, forcing him to return to the site personally to retrieve the remaining equipment and take it to the palace.

He said he later received a call from the police commander questioning why the items had been taken to the palace instead of the police station.

Nana Amoako Atta explained that the equipment was moved because the police commander could not be reached at the time.

The Ankobeahene believes the incident may have contributed to the allegations against him, particularly because of his vocal position against illegal mining.

He said his role as the traditional council’s spokesperson on galamsey has made him particularly visible in the fight against the practice.

Nana Amoako Atta stressed that rather than being involved in illegal mining, he has been at the forefront of efforts to expose and combat the menace.

He added that he regularly visits galamsey sites and has photographs and videos documenting his activities in the fight against illegal mining.

Nana Okofo Dartey Amoako Atta maintained that his involvement in recovering seized mining equipment should not be misconstrued as participation in illegal mining, insisting that his record of speaking out against galamsey speaks for itself.