File photo: The joint task force (JTF) overseeing the nationwide ban on small scale and illegal mining in Ghana, Operation Vanguard

The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak has called for investigation into the allegation by former Minister for Environment Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng that persons within the NPP and in Jubilee House are involved in illegal mining also known as ‘galamsey’.

According to the MP, galamsey activities are considered illegal and as such investigative bodies such Office of Special Prosecutor, CID must investigate and get to the bottom of the allegations by the former Minister.

This comes on the back of Mr. Frimpong-Boateng, speaking on GTV has alleged that persons in the government, at the seat of government Jubilee House and members of the governing party are involved in galamsey activities.

He stated that during his tenure of office no one was allowed into the forest of the country for any form of mining activities.

Commenting on the viral video, Mr. Apaak in a statement is calling on the relevant state institutions to demand a probe into the allegations by the former Minister.  

“We DEMAND an investigation into allegations by Prof. Boateng, a former NPP Minister, then head of the anti-galamsey fight, that “People in the NPP, people in government and people at Jubilee House are engaged in galamsey”. “Galamsey is a crime and those involved must be punished.

“Ghanaians expect the requisite state agencies or institutions (OSP, BIN, CID) to show loyalty to Ghana by initiating investigations into the allegations made by Prof. Boateng. By his stature and previous position in this NPP government, these allegations cannot and must not be ignored,” Mr. Apaak reiterated.

He continued: “CSOs, organised labour, the clergy and all well-meaning Ghanaians must canvas for an investigation into these allegations that elements in the Presidency, government and NPP are engaged in galamsey, and consequently, the pollution of our rivers and destruction of our environment.”

The former Minister for Environment Science and Technology in the viral video expressed worry why people are spreading rumors that he has taken excavators which is not the truth.  

“The truth is that at the start of the ‘Operation Vanguard’ thing, the soldiers were supposed to arrest the excavators and they go into the forest where they are doing the mining and then remove the control board. So if they remove 20 boards today they will report that they have immobilized 20 control boards. But when you go away they will bring new control boards and fix them,” Mr. Frimpong-Boateng stated.

He further indicated that there was an orchestration team within the NPP party and government to him out of office. “Because why is it that when I left now everybody is in the forest. At that time you cannot enter the forest but as I said I don’t want to go into details now because I have a lot to say on that.

“But let me tell you I did not take one excavator for anything. They know the truth now things are coming up. We know those who are behind it and the party people who are there people in the government including Jubilee House who are doing galamsey and so on even now.”

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM