Benkumhene is a traditional military title for the commander of the state’s left-flank army. Nana Boakye Darkwa held such sway inside the Akyem Abuakwa traditional territory before his downfall due to unlawful mining, also known as galamsey.
But when his troops clashed with the illegal mining team that had the Okyenehene’s approval, Asamang-Tamfoe recently saw gunfire exchanges, and he ran into difficulties with the ruler of the traditional territory. Nana Boakye Darkwa ignored the invitation from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to appear in front of them and address claims that he was engaged in unlawful mining.
Individuals of foreign descent have been permitted to mine illegally near the sole portable source of clean drinking water—the Tamfoe river—in coordination with the town head and sub-chiefs. Some of the mining sites almost fill the riverbed, which causes great inconvenience and harm to the locals.
On October 19, 2022, five excavators were seized as part of an operation organized by more than 25 soldiers. It is rumored that the chief, Nana Kwame Koh II, is a member of the illegal miners. On November 9, 2022, a group of locals signed a petition to the Akyem Abuakwa judicial council under the name Concerned Citizens of Asamang Tamfoe, alleging that one of the excavators belonged to the chief.
After the bloody fight between his troops and the task force against illicit mining, the now-destooled chief addressed a news conference and called Okyenhene Amoatia Ofori Panin’s bluff, warning the task force not to enter his territory or risk his wrath.
Later, on November 21, 2022, Nana Boakye Darkwa attended a hearing before the traditional council. After being questioned very hard, the Benkumhene confessed his guilt and bowed down to the Okyenhene and the Akyem Abuakwa traditional council to apologize for his behavior.
His display of regret did not absolve him, either. He was ordered to be destooled by the Okyenhene who presided over the Akyem Abuakwa Judicial Council. “Are you glad about the land and water bodies being destroyed at Asamang-Tamfoe?” According to starrfm.com.gh, the Okyenhene enquired about the Benkumhene.
“You did something wrong, Okyenhene contacted you, and you declined to come. Galamsey has destroyed all of our water sources, including Kyebi here, much like Tamfoe, and I have no interest in mining since I despise it.” I directed the task force to remove the Benkumhene from his position since he disobeyed my orders to preserve the Akyem lands from all illicit mining activities.
In the presence of the Chief of Asamang-Tamfoe Nana Kwame Koh II and the Kyebi Executive Council, some traditional procedures to depose Nana Darkwa were carried out. To symbolize the dethronement of the Benkumhene of Asamang-Tamfoe Nana Darkwa, the customary rites were carried out by Okyenhene’s chief linguist Okyeame Antwi Boasiako on a stone known as “Bonsambuor” at the courtyard of the Ofori Panin Palace.
Chiefs in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area were warned by Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin not to engage in unlawful mining or they would meet the same fate as Nana Boakye Darkwa.
