The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Hon. Stephen Morcher, has firmly dismissed a media report claiming that the task force established by the Aowin Traditional Council is a “fake force.” He described the publication as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary tension.
Speaking to the Daily Times, Hon. Morcher explained that the task force has played a significant role in clamping down on illegal mining activities and remains a recognised security structure under the authority of the Aowin Traditional Council. According to him, no group duly instituted by the Traditional Council can be described as an impostor force.
The MCE stressed that as an indigene of the Aowin Traditional Area and a public official, he would never undermine the authority, integrity, or long-standing governance systems of the traditional leadership. He emphasised that the Traditional Council is a respected institution with the mandate to establish security task forces when necessary.
Clarifying the matter, Hon. Morcher confirmed that the NAIMOS task force, acting within its recognised mandate, indeed made an arrest as part of community security operations. He insisted that this operation, carried out by NAIMOS personnel, does not invalidate their legitimacy or the authority under which they operate.
He described attempts to label the group as a “fake task force” as unfounded and potentially destabilising. Such reports, he warned, if left unchecked, could inflame tension, undermine traditional authority, and create unnecessary divisions within the municipality.
Hon. Morcher appealed to the Nananom of the Aowin Paramountcy and Traditional Area to remain calm and disregard the misleading publication, which he described as a hoax meant to sow confusion. He urged the chiefs and elders to stay focused on sustaining peace, order, and unity within the community.
He also called on media houses to exercise restraint and prioritise accuracy before publishing stories, especially on matters concerning traditional authority and recognised community security groups. He cautioned that misinformation can mislead the public and escalate tension.
The MCE assured residents that no unlawful force was involved in the operation attributed to the task force and indicated that the matter is being addressed through the appropriate channels to curb further misinformation.
Hon. Morcher reminded citizens that peace remains the foundation of development and urged all stakeholders to avoid inflammatory statements. He reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to ensuring effective collaboration between traditional and government-backed security structures.
In his concluding remarks, he called on residents to “allow tension and nerves to come down” and encouraged the Aowin Traditional Area to disregard the false publication as the municipality continues to uphold the authority of the Traditional Council while strengthening community security efforts for the collective good.
