The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Brako Kusi, has been fined by the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Council after performing a traditional rite at River Oda to curse Akyem Oda Member of Parliament (MP) Alexander Akwasi Acquah over allegations linking him to illegal mining (galamsey).

The MCE recently took a ram to River Oda to invoke the river deity in response to the galamsey allegations.

However, the traditional elders objected to his actions and summoned him before the traditional council.

According to the Overlord of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Oseadieyo Frimpong Manso IV, the MCE breached customary protocol by going directly to the river without first seeking the approval of the traditional authority.

"You don't just go to the river without following the established protocol," the chief admonished.

He explained that anyone intending to perform such rites must first inform the traditional authorities before approaching the river deity.

The traditional council subsequently fined the MCE GH¢2,000, a ram and four bottles of schnapps to be used in performing the necessary customary rites.

"I have, therefore, fined him GH¢2,000, a ram and four schnapps bottles," Oseadieyo Frimpong Manso IV said.

He explained that part of the items would be used to inform and appease the River Oda deity over the breach of tradition.

Despite imposing the sanction, the chief described the penalty as an act of leniency.

"He's been to school but he didn't know about this traditional protocol. He was not seeking to spite the stool. We all know him for his [noble] character," he explained the reasoning for the leniency. 

Oseadieyo Frimpong Manso IV also praised the MCE's performance since assuming office, saying he had undertaken visible development projects in the municipality.

He invited members of the public to visit the area or speak to residents to verify the MCE's work for themselves.