The paramount chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Okyenhene Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has denied engaging in illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
There has been a relentless campaign against galamsey by politicians and the media in recent times, with President Nana Akufo-Addo vowing to clamp down on the activity.
He has especially vowed to deal with Chinese citizens who engage in the act.
Some illegal miners have, however, pushed back against plans to target them, arguing that big men in society and local chiefs engage in galamsey.
One high-profile personaliy who has been constantly accused of engaging in the act is the Okyenhene.
His accusers have said that even his palace is a galamsey site.
But he has denied the charge, saying that he would never engage in a "dirty" act like galamsey.
“People are saying the palace is being dug [for galamsey]. Go round it and see. If I wanted to do mining, I will take my land, I don’t have to ask anybody, go to the Minerals Commission and secure proper licence to do proper mining.
“Why would I turn around and steal my land to engage in such dirt, galamsey? If I ever wanted to be rich, it won’t be going into mining, let alone galamsey,†he said in an interview with TV3.