The Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’, has been banished from the Manhyia Palace for accusing some Ashanti chiefs of their involvement in illegal mining, popularly referred to as Galamsey.
The action to banish him was triggered by his comment on a Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM regarding the impact of galamsey on the environment, water bodies and Ghanaian society.
Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ openly criticised the chiefs for failing to help end the deadly illegal mining menace in the country, particularly in the Ashanti region.
Shortly after the media engagement, some chiefs of the Kumasi Traditional Council, led by the Bantamahene, Nana Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, performed rituals on Friday August 19, to announce his banishment.
Odike was also accused of inciting the youth to rise and demonstrate against chiefs if they failed to come clear on their roles against illegal mining.
Nana Amankwatia described his comments as distasteful, unsubstantiated and meant to dent the image of Manhyia.
The chiefs also consider the words of Odike disrespectful.
Watch the video, and please listen carefully to be a judge of your own.
