The Aowin Traditional Council, led by the Omanhene of Aowin, Beyeeman Tano Kwao Benbuin III, has engaged the Aowin Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) over concerns surrounding child exportation, illegal mining (galamsey), prostitution and other criminal activities in the municipality.
The engagement took place during a traditional council meeting attended by representatives of the security agencies, including the Aowin Divisional Police Command, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Aowin Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Stephen Morcher.
Addressing the meeting, Beyeeman Tano Kwao Benbuin III expressed concern over reports of child exportation within the Aowin traditional area.
According to the Omanhene, some Nigerians are allegedly bringing young girls into Aowin for prostitution, describing the practice as a criminal activity that requires urgent attention from the security agencies.
He further raised concerns about the movement of foreign nationals, particularly from Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, into Aowin, allegedly for illegal mining activities.
The Omanhene cautioned that the movement of unidentified foreign nationals into the municipality could pose serious security risks, including the potential infiltration of criminals or terrorists, and therefore called for increased monitoring and border surveillance.
Beyeeman Tano Kwao Benbuin III also appealed to the security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in forest reserves and along river bodies, stressing the need to protect the environment and natural resources of the area.
Responding to the concerns, the Aowin Divisional Police Commander, ACP Abdullah Adrisu, together with E. A. Ayamga, Sector Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, assured the Traditional Council that the security situation was being closely monitored.
They said the security agencies were doing their best to protect residents and intensify patrols, particularly along the borders and other vulnerable areas within the Aowin Municipality.
The officials assured the council that measures were in place to address security threats and prevent criminal activities from taking root in the municipality.
The Aowin Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Stephen Morcher, also assured the Omanhene and members of the Traditional Council that the Municipal Security Council was working closely with the various security agencies to protect residents and maintain peace in the municipality.
On concerns over the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities, Dr. Morcher said the Assembly was collaborating with the security agencies to address the situation.
He disclosed that some Nigerian and Burkinabè nationals had previously been arrested and subsequently repatriated in February 2026.
On illegal mining, particularly activities within forest reserves, the MCE said the government and the Assembly were taking steps to clamp down on illegal mining.
He noted that several people had been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities, with some subsequently prosecuted and sentenced to prison.
Dr. Morcher reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to working with the security agencies and traditional authorities to safeguard lives, property and the natural resources of the Aowin Municipality.
The engagement ended with a call for closer collaboration between the Traditional Council, the Municipal Assembly and the various security agencies to address emerging security threats and protect the peace and development of Aowin.
By Emmanuel Sowah
