Former Environment, Science and Technology Minister, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, says there are many top government officials engaged in illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
The renowned professor who served under President Akufo-Addo during his first term, insists that the rot goes as high as the government seat, Jubilee House.
This comes as government continues to trumpet its commitment to the illegal mining fight.
In an interview with state broadcaster GBC, the former Minister explained that some of these individuals supervised his ousting from the Ministry in order to continue perpetuating the canker.
Prof. Boateng stressed that the allegations of some 500 missing excavators from illegal miners in 2020 were fabrications of persons in the government to get him out of the way.
“Let me tell you that 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 government including Jubilee House who are doing galamsey and so on, even now,” he said.
He further suggested that it was his effort that prevented the forest reserves from further dissipation by these government officials for which reason there are reports of breaches now that he is no more in office.
“There was an orchestrated scheme, even within the party and government to get me out. Why is it that when I left now everyone is in the forest?" he added.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has said his government will continue the fight against galamsey with the support of the security agencies, in the short term.
He said this while addressing the nation on Wednesday, March 8, 2023,
He added that “However, we are determined to promote responsible small-scale mining through Community Mining Schemes. So far, 16 of these Schemes have been commissioned, with three more to be commissioned by the end of this year.
"All these Schemes are supported with Gold Katchas, pieces of equipment designed to help small-scale miners extract gold from the ore without the use of mercury.”
The President also noted that in 2021, he launched the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme which has so far employed several youths in the production of seedlings and reclamation of degraded mined lands.
Latest Stories
-
Minority slams ‘unlawful’ dismissal of Bank of Ghana staff, demands immediate reinstatement
3 minutes -
Ghana launches PANAFEST & Emancipation Day 2025 in Accra
6 minutes -
Speaker allows presentation of SC vetting report despite Minority objections
15 minutes -
‘We’re getting ready to win and we’ll win well’ – Bryan Acheampong’s team
19 minutes -
NPP race: Bryan Acheampong is spiritually fortified against fear and intimidation – Appiah-Kubi
28 minutes -
NPP Primary: Bryan Acheampong has the experience to outshine contenders – Appiah-Kubi
41 minutes -
Bryan Acheampong campaign team member, urges Chairman Wontumi to reciprocate support
45 minutes -
Ghana could reclaim $4 million from solar waste with proper recycling – KNUST Study finds
50 minutes -
Focus on electability, not endorsements – Political analyst urges NPP delegates
58 minutes -
Trump shares message from Nato chief praising ‘decisive action’ in Iran
1 hour -
Water supply improves in Bongo town, but fluoride concerns persist
1 hour -
New LI in the offing to make disability inclusion mandatory – Dr Apaak
1 hour -
Endorsements don’t always equate to actual votes, says Bryan Acheampong’s camp
1 hour -
University of Ghana issues COVID-19 resurgence alert
1 hour -
Pastor accused of withdrawing cash from dead friend’s account faces court
1 hour