The Abuakwa South constituency Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Eastern Region, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, has dismissed allegations that his son is engaged in illegal mining in Kyebi.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikens when appeared before Local Government Committee of Parliamentary, recounted that he stormed the constituency chairman’s son’s mining site during anti illegal mining operations, signifying his commitment to fight the menace without political consideration.
This statement has further fueled allegations that the son of the constituency chairman is engaged in illegal mining.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Abuakwa South Constituency chairman of the NDC strongly dismissed the allegations that his son is engaged in illegal mining describing it as “baseless and unfounded.”
According to him, the MCE’s visit to his son’s licensed mining site to monitor work being done was deliberate to demonstrate his resolve to fight against galamsey regardless political affiliation.
He however says the decision by the MCE has been twisted by the media to imply his son is engaging in illegal mining.
“The MCE’s visit to my son’s mining site was clearly a deliberate attempt to send a clear message to all who are into mining, and we welcome his commitment to fighting illegal mining. However, it is worrying that a section of the media, social media commentators and some opposition party activists have jumped to conclusions, implying guilt without evidence.It is more worrying because the MCE did not say anywhere in his submission that my son is into illegal mining”.
He added, “My son is a licensed gold merchant and every other gold business he is into is within the law.”
According to him, his son’s reputation and business integrity will not be destroyed by speculation or political propaganda.
“Any attempt to tarnish my hard-earned reputation by dragging my son’s name into the mud will not succeed.”
The Abuakwa South NDC Chairman reaffirmed his support for lawful mining operations and called on the public to disregard the false claims circulating in the media.
Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly has inaugurated Taskforce made up of members of MUSEC, including personnel from the Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, National Intelligence Bureau, and Ghana National Fire Service, with backing from traditional authorities.
The task force has been given clear timeline of three months to ensure that all miners on the Birim river are cleared help restore operations of Kibi Water treatment plant which is intermittently shut down due to high turbidity.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
