Barima Okekrebesi Asiedu II, Chief of Coaltar in the Ayensuano District, has been destooled by Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Ofori IV, Chief of Akyem Kyebi-Apapam and Amantomiemsahene of Akyem Abuakwa.
The destoolment ceremony, marked by traditional rituals, took place on Friday afternoon.
The decision follows a violent clash on Thursday evening between residents of Kraboa, a farming community, and land guards protecting illegal sand winners.
The clash left two people dead, including a resident identified as Kobby and a land guard, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
Four of the injured are receiving treatment at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.
The destoolment sparked spontaneous jubilation in Coaltar, with residents flooding the streets in celebration, singing, and dancing.
Many accuse the chief of complicity in the illegal sand-winning operations, alleging that he engaged land guards to terrorize farmers and seize their lands.
Tensions have been high in the community, with residents clad in red armbands and attire staging protests to demand government intervention.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the violence erupted when residents, predominantly peasant farmers, blocked a road to prevent sand winners from transporting sand.
Armed land guards accompanying the miners attacked the protesters with gunfire, prompting the residents to retaliate.
Ayensuano District has long been plagued by the menace of illegal sand winning, often leading to deadly clashes between farmers and miners.
Residents are calling for urgent government action to restore peace, protect farmlands, and end the destruction caused by the sand-winning operations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/Obed Ansah/ Koforiduah
