Embattled chief of Nahinso arrested again over unauthorized wetland filling

Nana Addo Boaman, the Chief of Nahinso, who was previously arrested for unauthorized roadworks, has been detained again, this time for allegedly filling a local wetland.

The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, July 18, followed a heated confrontation between the chief and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

The Ashanti Regional NADMO has raised alarms about the environmental and legal implications of Chief Nana Addo Boaman's actions.

According to NADMO, the wetland is a protected area, and any development activities within it could lead to severe ecological damage.

Chief Nana Addo Boaman defended his actions, asserting that his efforts were aimed at preventing flooding and improving local infrastructure.

"I inherited this problem; it wasn't created by me. I have been appealing to the assembly for over eight years to help clear the waterway. Unfortunately, the assembly member has not been cooperative," the chief stated, as reported by Citi Newsroom.

Despite his defense, Ashanti Regional NADMO Director Frank Duodu ordered the chief’s arrest, emphasizing that the chief had no authority to undertake such actions.

Mr. Duodu highlighted that the area is a designated wetland, and the unauthorized filling could have significant environmental repercussions.

Concerns have also been raised by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo). Officials warned that the use of laterite by the chief to fill the area posed a risk to their pylons.

They suggested that the roadworks might have been a pretext for the illegal filling of the wetland.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intervened, posting warning signs to restrict access to the area.

Daniel Kofi Teye, Ashanti Regional Programmes Officer of the EPA, has called for intervention from the Asantehene to prevent local chiefs from further developing protected wetlands.

This arrest marks the second confrontation between Chief Nana Addo Boaman and NADMO officials over similar issues. He has been taken to the Asokwa Police Command to assist with ongoing investigations.

The situation underscores the ongoing tension between traditional authorities and regulatory bodies over land use and environmental protection in the region.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith