By Grace Zigah
Former Director of Communications at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Joseph Osei Oppong-Brenya, has petitioned the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prosecute Moro Abdul Karim over social media comments accusing the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, of involvement in illegal gold trading and galamsey.
In a petition dated October 8, 2026, and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police through the Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Oppong-Brenya called for the immediate invitation, interrogation and, where appropriate, prosecution of Abdul Karim.
He argues that the alleged publication goes beyond an insult against a traditional ruler because, in his view, it makes an allegation of criminal conduct against the occupant of the Golden Stool.
Alleged gold trading accusation
The petition centres on a social media publication which Oppong-Brenya says was authored and circulated by Abdul Karim.
According to the petition, the publication included the statement:
“We came back from UK with coat and wigs but the Kente cloth and gold rings just lost at UK airport. Eii Nana galamsey why? Just look at him.”
Oppong-Brenya contends that the publication ridicules the Asantehene and his traditional regalia while also linking him to illegal mining and the illegal sale of gold.
He argues that such an allegation should be subjected to investigation because of the legal implications associated with unauthorised gold trading under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The petitioner therefore wants the Police to invite Abdul Karim to substantiate the allegation and establish when, where, to whom and how the Asantehene allegedly sold gold illegally.
He further asks that if the allegation cannot be substantiated, the Police consider prosecution under applicable laws.
Claims of false news and offensive conduct
Beyond the alleged gold-related accusation, Oppong-Brenya argues that the publication could amount to offences relating to the publication of false news and offensive conduct.
His petition cites Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), asking the Police to investigate whether the publication falls within those provisions.
He has also called for investigations into other individuals who may have sponsored, amplified or circulated the material if evidence establishes that their conduct breached the law.
Concern over chieftaincy and national cohesion
The former NEIP director says the matter should also be viewed against the importance of the chieftaincy institution to the traditional and constitutional order.
He argues that the Asantehene, as occupant of the Golden Stool, occupies an important position in Ghana’s traditional governance and national life.
He further expresses concern that what he describes as an ethnically divisive publication could inflame tensions between ethnic groups, provoke reprisals and undermine national cohesion.
Oppong-Brenya nevertheless states in his petition that his call for action is intended to remain within the law.
Calls for Police and National Security action
Among the specific reliefs sought, he is asking the Ghana Police Service to:
Invite and interrogate Moro Abdul Karim over the alleged accusation against the Asantehene;
Prosecute him if investigations establish that offences have been committed;
Investigate other persons who may have sponsored or circulated the alleged content;
Involve the Cybercrime Unit and National Security in addressing the publication across social media platforms; and
Issue a public caution against ethnically targeted insults involving traditional leaders.
He also appealed to the Police and National Security authorities to intervene quickly to prevent possible reprisals.
Oppong-Brenya said he had attached a copy of the alleged social media publication and an extract of the Ghana Gold Board Act to his petition.
