The secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue, has stepped aside after being indicted in the galamsey fraud video.
Undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in a 14-day investigation into the activities of the Committee had Bissue compromising his integrity having accepted cash to facilitate the issuance of license among others.
Other security officers were also caught on tape receiving bribes to allow illegal miners to operate contrary to their core mandate to stop galamsey.
A day after premiering the documentary dubbed: “Galamsey Fraud”, Mr. Bissue had informed the president Nana Akufo-Addo of his decision to step aside to allow investigations into the case.
However, he maintained he is innocent of allegations of bribery against him.
Below is his full statement:
DECISION TO STEP ASIDE AS SECRETARY TO THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON ILLEGAL MINING (IMCIM)
I have taken notice of the contents of the latest documentary by Tiger Eye P.I., titled “Galamsey Fraud”.
I would like to state, at the very outset, that I am innocent of the allegations levelled against me in the documentary, as I was not and have not been engaged in any acts of corruption, criminality or misconduct.
However, in the interest of transparency and accountability, and so as not to compromise the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), I have informed the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Chairperson of the IMCIM, of my decision to step aside from my position as Secretary to the Committee, pending an investigation into the allegations.
I call for such an investigation, and I am prepared to avail myself, at all times, to the investigation process. I am confident that, at the end of it all, I will be exonerated, and my good name will be preserved.
Source: Ghana/starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
