A longstanding dispute between Madam Amina Tahiru, a local miner, and the traditional authorities of Asuom has escalated following serious allegations from Mmrewasan Abusuapanin And Elders of Atrankonya of Asuom.
The Mmrewasan Abusuapanin And Elders of Atrankonya of Asuom, has invoked curses upon the miner, citing repeated disrespect and illegal mining practices.
According to Chief Obodade, Madam Amina has continually disrespected the traditional council, spreading lies and fabrications aimed at damaging his reputation.
Newspaper publications have emerged accusing the Chief of blackmail, allegations which he strongly denies.
The core of the conflict stems from Madam Amina’s mining activities in the area. Chief Obodade claims that Amina has been mining without the necessary legal permits, such as an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit, Water Resources permit, or Minerals Commission digging permit.
Despite possessing a mining lease, the Chief insists that this alone does not grant the right to destroy local lands, crops, and rivers.
He alleges that Amina has employed Chinese miners who are involved in this unregulated mining.
Tensions flared when local youth protested the miner’s activities, only to be met with violence.
Amina is accused of using soldiers to brutalize and humiliate the protesters, further straining relations between her operation and the community.
Chief Obodade also claims that Amina and her manager, Mahmud Atila, regularly collect gold from the Chinese contractors involved in the operation, a practice they have allegedly denied on national television.
In a public declaration, the Chief has given Amina seven days to apologize and make amends with the community.
Failing that, he warns that the gods and rivers of Asuom will punish her ruthlessly.
As the conflict deepens, the people of Asuom await Amina’s response to the Chief’s ultimatum, as the future of the local environment and traditional authority hangs in the balance.