The people of Kotokuman in the Akim Oda District have performed traditional purification rites to cleanse their sacred stool following the alleged misconduct of Oda Manhene, Oseadeayo Frempong Manso IV, who was recently arrested for illegal mining activities.
The purification ceremony, authorised by Nana Akua Asantewaa III, the Akim Kotoku Queenmother, was conducted on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Bronsam Bour So, a sacred site for traditional customs. The rites included libation-pouring and the slaughtering of a live ram to spiritually
cleanse the stool, which had been tarnished by the Omanhene’s alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) and a related murder case.
In an exclusive interview Ohene Nana Kwame Anakwa, urged the government to intervene to bring the killers of the innocent Okada rider to book saying ” a similar killing incidence believed to have been carried out by these same thugs of the Omanhene involving a native who was shot to death happened in 2011 at Oda. According to him, not even a single arrest has been caused by the Police till date.
“I will keep custody of the stool after the purification while I consult my elders for the next steps and actions”, Nana Hemaa Akua Asantewaa III, emphasised amidst cheers from the gathering.
Background of the Crisis
The Oda Manhene was arrested alongside two Chinese nationals for operating an illegal mining venture, Chester Gold Enterprise, on a concession legally owned by Sikadwaso Global Limited. Despite multiple arrests, the Manhene reportedly shielded the miners, even interfering with police operations.
Tensions escalated when a 29-year-old Okada rider, Kwaku Eric, was beaten to death by thugs linked to the Manhene’s mining gang. The victim’s pregnant wife and two children have been left in distress, sparking outrage among local residents and threats of reprisal attacks from the Northern community in the area.
Appeal for Government Intervention
Residents of Akyem Amenam have called on the Interior Minister, the IGP, and the
President to intervene, fearing further violence due to the unresolved tensions. The purification rites in Kotokuman signify an effort to restore spiritual and communal harmony amid the ongoing turmoil.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to address the illegal mining operations and the threats to peace in the region.
