‘The power that can shut radio stations can stop Chinese galamsey’ – Manasseh

Listen to this article Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

According to reports, the latter has requested the former to suspend operations while a committee investigates how the radio station used its platform to smear the Council.

Akwasi Adai, alias Odike, a politician and businessman from the Ashanti Area, accused leaders in the region of illicit small-scale mining.

He vowed to complain against the chiefs if nothing was done.

Manasseh opposes the order to halt activities. He posted mysterious remarks on Facebook on August 26, 2022, concerning the Council’s decree and the galamsey conflict.

“The power that can shut radio stations can stop the Chinese from destroying your lands, water bodies and imperiling your future,” the post read.

The chief in charge of Manhyia Palace in the absence of Otumfuo, Sanaahene, indicated that the August 25, 2022 discussion with Oyerepa FM officials concluded with advise to shut the station, not an order.

Nana Osei Kweku, Samanhene, told Accra-based Happy FM on August 26, 2022 that a group of chiefs headed by the Bantamahene ordered the station’s owners to cease operations awaiting the settlement of a disagreement.

“Their license remains valid, after all, Ashanti Region is not Ghana, their license remains valid and they can operate elsewhere,” he explained.

Asked about using a legal route to seek redress, he explained further: “It is not a court matter for us, we have our own legal system with which we ‘prosecute’ and dispense off cases.

“We are not interested in going to court. The only advice I will give is, even though you have faulted the Palace, you have to come through other processes, seek forgiveness and we all can move on.

Background

Akwasi Adai, alias Odike, accused chiefs and traditional authorities of illegal mining, which affects water bodies and forests.

He exhorted the youth to stand up and threatened a public insurrection. The Kumasi Traditional Council slaughtered a ram and banned Odike from Manhyia.

Unknown gunmen destroyed Odike automobiles parked at the party’s regional office days after the ceremonies.

Odike stated the suspects were from Manhyia Palace, but he won’t apologize for his radio comments. Investigators haven’t made any arrests.

Oyerepa FM was asked to close till the situation is settled. They complied on August 26.

By:Ghbase