The Ahafo Ano North Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Francis Akagpo Elikplim, has refuted allegations that party executives in the area are involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Mr Elikplim described the reports as a “malicious publication” meant to tarnish their reputation.
According to him, the claims being circulated by some media outlets have no factual basis and should be treated with the contempt they deserve.
“The publication is false. There is no iota of truth in it, and we call on the public to disregard such misleading information,” he stated.
Mr Elikplim acknowledged that mining activities are ongoing in the area but clarified that they are part of a licensed community mining project approved in 2018 during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He stressed that the NDC constituency executives are not involved in illegal mining, as they all have their own businesses.
He also defended Richmond Boakye Agyemang, a professional teacher and businessman whose name was mentioned in the publication as a key figure in galamsey activities.
Mr Boakye Agyemang, who is aspiring to be the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, has also come under criticism, with some alleging that he is deeply involved in illegal mining operations.
However, the NDC Secretary dismissed these accusations, stating that they are politically motivated attempts to damage Mr Boakye Agyemang’s reputation.
“This is just an attempt to tarnish his image because he is the preferred choice for the MCE position. But we stand with him, and we will endorse him anytime, anywhere because he is clean,” he declared.
He further stated that the NDC executives in Ahafo Ano North are committed to the fight against galamsey and would not do anything that contradicts the party’s stance on illegal mining.
“We won’t engage in anything that will tarnish the vision of the President because we know he is against illegal mining. We are equally against it,” he concluded.
The allegations and counterclaims come at a time when illegal mining remains a major concern in Ghana, with its devastating impact on water bodies, farmlands, and communities.
REPORT BY: Nana Yaw Owusu/Ashanti Region..
