The Aowin Traditional Council, in collaboration with the Concerned Citizens of Aowin, has issued a passionate plea to the government and relevant authorities to restore peace and lawful governance in the Aowin Traditional Area, citing a long list of alleged abuses by Mr. Thomas Antwi-Agyei, who is controversially known as Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III.
At a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre, representatives of the Traditional Council, led by Nana Kwame Nkansah II, Chief of Jomoro, Mponuahene and Spokesperson for the Acting President of Aowin Traditional Council, presented a detailed statement chronicling what they describe as “a period of fear, brutality, and institutional collapse” in Aowin, orchestrated under the self-declared leadership of Mr. Antwi-Agyei.
Brutality and Vigilante Rule
The Council accused Mr. Antwi-Agyei of unleashing vigilante militias on residents, with documented assaults on citizens including a brutal attack on one Mr. Koomson and Nana Apena III, a chief of Sewum. These incidents, some captured on national television, were presented as evidence of a reign of terror and lawlessness.
According to the Council, these militias have also been used to extort funds from local miners and have seized mining equipment for personal and political gain.
Illegal Mining and Environmental Damage
The group further alleged that Mr. Antwi-Agyei is actively involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, granting unauthorized access to protected forest reserves in exchange for cash and material compensation.
They warned of widespread environmental degradation and loss of community resources under his watch.
Usurpation of Authority and Financial Misappropriation
Among the many accusations was the illegal occupation of the Aowin Traditional Council office by Mr. Antwi-Agyei’s team. Official documents and assets were reportedly removed and relocated to his “self-declared paramountcy office.”
Furthermore, the Council stated that Mr. Antwi-Agyei had opened an unauthorized ADB bank account in the name of the Traditional Council, diverting revenues, including those from private firms like Samatex Company Ltd., to fund his personal operations. Despite a court-issued bench warrant for his arrest, the matter was allegedly reversed under mysterious circumstances, prompting public outcry over judicial independence.
Parallel Leadership and Political Intrigues
The Council revealed that Mr. Antwi-Agyei has unlawfully installed rival chiefs in several towns including Boinso, Adum, and Amonie, areas that already have gazetted and recognized traditional leaders. These actions have sparked conflicts and destabilized the traditional governance structure.
In what was described as a profound insult to national authority, Mr. Antwi-Agyei is also accused of performing public cursing rituals—slaughtering sheep in ceremonies aimed at senior government and regional figures.
These events have reportedly been broadcast on local media and repeated biweekly.
Calls for Government Intervention
The Traditional Council demanded five urgent actions:
1. The immediate de-gazetting of Mr. Antwi-Agyei as Omanhene of Aowin.
2. Prosecution of crimes and violations documented in their petition.
3. Restoration of legitimate traditional leadership.
4. Disbandment of vigilante groups.
5. Judicial review and annulment of all acts undertaken in Mr. Antwi-Agyei’s name.
They submitted extensive evidence in the form of annexes including medical reports, legal documents, and bank statements to support their claims.
In a final appeal, the Council called on the government, judiciary, and the National House of Chiefs to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and dignity of the Aowin people.
“We believe that with swift and impartial action by our institutions, order and dignity will be restored,” the statement concluded.
This developing crisis places renewed focus on the intersection of chieftaincy, political power, and justice in Ghana’s evolving democratic landscape.
