The Eastern Regional Representative on the Council of State, Evelyn Korang, has strongly denied allegations circulating on Social media that she is blocking the implementation of “Community mining” program in Eastern Region.
She describes it as a deliberate campaign of lies and political mischief to tarnish her reputation.
She stated unequivocally that there is no government programme currently running called “Community Mining” under the NDC government, and therefore any claim that she is blocking such a programme is baseless, dishonest, and politically motivated.
“You cannot block what does not exist. These claims are absolute lies,” she stressed.
Madam Korang accused the authors of the allegations of deliberately misleading the public to shield illegal mining interests who are uncomfortable with the current firm stance against galamsey in the Eastern Region.
She emphasized that no individual in public office has done more to facilitate legal and regulated mining processes in the region than she has, pointing to her direct, hands-on engagement with chiefs, youth groups, and regulatory authorities to help communities regularize mining activities where the law permits.
READ: NAIMOS, National Security dismantle hidden galamsey network, destroy 275 equipment on Pra River
“I have personally led chiefs and youth groups to the appropriate offices to acquire licences. That is not obstruction, that is leadership,” she stated.
Madam Korang revealed that she has on several occasions escorted the Ankaasehene, Bunsohene, Sekyerehene, and organised youth groups to pursue lawful mining arrangements, insisting that every mining activity must follow the law and respect the environment.
She made it clear that the sudden attacks on her character coincide directly with recent enforcement actions against illegal miners, particularly operations triggered by a formal petition from the Bunsohene Osaberima Abeam Brakatu Ofori Aninkra calling for urgent state intervention.
According to her, the petition detailed armed illegal miners invading farmlands, cocoa lands, and protected research areas, polluting water bodies, destroying livelihoods, and creating fear in local communities.
“When the law begins to work, those who benefit from lawlessness begin to shout,” she said.
Madam Korang dismissed attempts to link her to the enforcement actions by NAIMOS as a cowardly attempt to divert attention from criminal activity and intimidate public officials who refuse to compromise.
She warned that the NDC government will not bow to pressure from galamsey operators or their political sympathizers, stressing that the party’s commitment is to environmental protection, food security, and the safety of local communities and not illegal profit.
“If defending cocoa lands, rivers, and community safety makes me an enemy to illegal miners, then I wear that badge with honour,” she declared.
Madam Evelyn Korang reaffirmed her resolve to continue working with traditional leaders, security agencies, and state institutions to crush illegal mining while supporting only lawful, responsible, and sustainable mining initiatives in the Eastern Region.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
