The Wenchi Traditional Council, under the leadership of the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area, Nana Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, has issued a strong warning to sub-chiefs and divisional leaders alleged to be undermining local development initiatives and failing to protect the area from illegal mining activities.
The caution was delivered at a traditional council meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Wenchi Traditional Council, where the Paramount Chief expressed deep concern about what he described as growing indiscipline among some traditional leaders and the negative impact it is having on development efforts.
Nana Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III stressed that unity, discipline and active collaboration among traditional authorities remain the foundation for sustainable community development, adding that any actions that sabotage progress would not be tolerated.
He further condemned the involvement of any sub-chief or divisional leader in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, describing such conduct as a betrayal of the responsibility entrusted to traditional rulers to protect land and natural resources.
The Paramount Chief noted that traditional leadership must serve as the first line of defence against environmental degradation and unlawful exploitation of resources, warning that failure to report illegal mining activities within one’s jurisdiction to the Traditional Council would attract strict sanctions, including destoolment.
He also raised concern about the general state of development in the Wenchi Traditional Area, stating that despite the area’s economic and natural resource potential, the benefits are not visible on the ground.
According to him, the presence of several quarry companies operating within the area has not translated into meaningful local development, as communities continue to experience environmental challenges such as dust pollution, heavy truck traffic, and blasting vibrations without corresponding social or infrastructural benefits.
“It is highly frustrating when quarry companies disrupt your community with dust, heavy truck traffic, and blasting vibrations without providing clear local benefits,” he stated.
Nana Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III therefore called for a united front among all traditional leaders to mobilise resources, coordinate development efforts, and ensure that Wenchi derives full benefit from its natural and economic endowments.
He further emphasized that development cannot be achieved if traditional leaders act in isolation or allow illegal activities to undermine collective progress, insisting that accountability must be enforced at all levels of leadership.
The Paramount Chief also raised a red flag over what he described as unauthorized or poorly regulated gold prospecting and exploration activities within parts of the traditional area, cautioning that such practices pose a threat to the environment and long-term development planning.
He called on the Minerals Commission and other relevant regulatory authorities to intensify monitoring and enforcement to ensure that mining and exploration activities comply with national regulations and do not harm affected communities.
Nana Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III reiterated the Traditional Council’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Wenchi and promoting development that benefits all residents, not only a select few.
He urged sub-chiefs and divisional leaders to uphold the highest standards of leadership, prioritise the welfare of their communities, and work collectively to advance the development agenda of the Wenchi Traditional Area.
Source: Newspyramid.com
