Tufuhene of Enchi, Nana Panyin II, has announced that Aowin MP Oscar Larbi has been banned from entering Enchi town.
This drastic measure was taken after Larbi allegedly disrespected the traditional leaders and was linked to illegal mining activities in the area.
Speaking to Oheneba Nana Asiedu on Wontumi Morning show on Wontumi TV, Nana Panyin II, the controversy began when a task force, allegedly established by Larbi, started seizing mining equipment from galamsey sites in the Enchi area. The task force would then release the equipment after receiving payments ranging from 1 billion to 2 billion cedis.
An investigation launched by the traditional council revealed that a man named Ken, affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was deeply involved in the task force’s activities. When confronted, Ken claimed that he couldn’t stop the seizures without Larbi’s explicit permission. This revelation raised serious questions about Larbi’s involvement in the galamsey menace and his alleged complicity in the extortion of local miners.
The traditional leaders, determined to address the situation, invited Larbi to discuss the matter and find a resolution. However, Larbi failed to attend the meeting on three separate occasions, despite being in Enchi. This blatant disregard for the traditional leaders and the community’s concerns was seen as a grave insult, further exacerbating the situation.
“In a stunning display of disrespect, Larbi granted an interview to Peace FM, where he made derogatory comments about the Omanhene, accusing him of involvement in galamsey and having Chinese partners. This outburst is a clear attempt to deflect attention from his own alleged wrongdoing and to discredit the traditional leaders”, he said.
In response to Larbi’s actions, the Aowin Traditional Council performed rituals to banish him from Aowin land, citing his “gross insubordination” towards the Omanhene and divisional chiefs. The council emphasized that Larbi’s behavior was unacceptable and that he would no longer be welcome in Enchi.
