The National House of Chiefs President, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has refuted allegations of supporting illegal mining activities, commonly known locally as galamsey.

This follows reports attributed to him in a speech delivered at Bibiani.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, by Nana Bonya III, the Atipimhene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), it was stated that the publications against Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, alleging he opposed the ban on illegal mining activities, were unfounded and false.

He indicated that the address delivered by Ogyeahoho Gyebi during the commissioning of the Minerals Commission's district office at Bibiani last Wednesday had been misinterpreted by a section of journalists and condemned those behind these false claims.

He further explained that the President, who doubles as the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Area, never endorsed illegal mining activities in his speech as reported by some media outlets, stating that his words were taken out of context.

He said Ogyeahoho Gyebi II, on several platforms, had spoken against illegal mining activities but supported responsible practices and therefore considered such publications a calculated attempt to tarnish his good reputation.

Ogyeahoho has, therefore, advised journalists to be more professional and ethical in the discharge of their duties.

"As a fourth realm of government and partners in the development and progress of the country, you shouldn't allow yourself to be used as conduits for false information," he cautioned.

He urged journalists to be ambassadors of peace and unity and not otherwise.