The Okyeman Youth Association has accused the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Mr Samuel Atta Kyea and his “hoodlums”, for disturbing the peace of Kyebi and provoking a near chieftaincy crisis. According to the youth, they take serious exception to the assistance, endorsement, patronage and encouragement provided by the MP, who happens to be a senior member of the Royal Asona Family of Kyebi to Nana Adjei Boateng who accused the Okyenhene of dabbling in illegal gold mining operations. The General Secretary of the youth, Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta, who addressed a press conference at the International Press Centre Tuesday, said “it is disappointing to note that Hon Samuel Atta Kyea has never used his office and the platform to provide leadership on issues of small mining which is now gaining currency in his constituency.” He advice Hon Samuel Atta Akyea to rather “focus his energies on meeting the aspirations of the youth of his constituency by advocating policy measures that will [take the youth] out from the holes of poverty and destitution,” They called on him, as a senior member of the Royal Asona family of Kyebi to restrain his ‘boys’ from making slanderous comments against the Okyenhene and also apologise to the Okyenhene and the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council. The Okyeman Youth called on the leadership of the New Patriotic Party to take a serious note of the situation in Kyebi and enforce necessary measures that will bring Atta Kyea to order. On the allegations levelled against the Okyenhene, the group issued an outright condemnation of what it described as the “reckless, illegal, uncustomary and disrespectful actions and utterances” of Nana Adjei and his colleagues stating further that, “there is no iota of evidence linking the Okyenhene to Galamsey business.” They stated that the Okyenhene Osagyefo Amotia Ofori Panin has selflessly fought against illegal mining in the area and therefore cannot come to terms why such a selfless leader will be “interested in the petty crumbs from galamsey operations.” The group however made the following four-point suggestions to government” 1. A legal and policy regime that will recognise the right of the youth to small scale mining and institute effective regulatory measures; 2. Such a regime will involve state agencies that will enforce environment and health standards; 3. The provision of training for the youth in small scale mining technology and other related small scale industries related to mining, including and management tools through effective linkage with technical training institutions; 4. A comprehensive strategy for an integrated small scale mining industry that will create the basis for sustainable livelihoods. But the MP in subsequent interview with Joy News denied the allegations made against him. He said the allegations are nothing but failed attempts by his detractors to discredit him. He reiterated his support for the Okyenhene and pledged his commitment against the fight of galamsey in the area.