The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akontombra, Joseph Appiah, has alleged that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, was introduced into the district by the former Member of Parliament, contrary to claims being made by some political communicators.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sefwinews, the DCE stated emphatically that no illegal mining activities existed in Akontombra before the NDC left office in 2016, adding that the menace began around 2018–2019.
“When we were leaving office in 2016, there were no illegal mining activities in Akontombra. None! The illegal mining activities started when the former Member of Parliament boldly declared that they were bringing small-scale mining into Akontombra, particularly around the Esaase enclave,” he said.
According to Mr. Appiah, Jmpinmic Company Limited, allegedly owned by the former MP, initially registered with the Registrar General’s Department without listing mining as part of its operations.
However, he revealed that on August 15, 2023, the company amended its registration to include mining—raising questions about the former MP’s involvement in the now widespread galamsey activities.
“It’s because illegal mining has become rampant in Akontombra, and he has a vested interest in it. He saw that there is money in it and wanted to benefit,” he stressed.
Mr. Appiah disclosed that since assuming office, his administration has actively engaged with traditional leaders and residents in the affected areas—including Ankra, Esaase, Krokorowa, Sikaniasem, and Kwasiaha—to educate them on the environmental dangers posed by illegal mining.
“We made it clear that this was the agenda. Even the Forestry Commission is under threat, as people are attempting to cut down cocoa farms to lease the land to galamseyers,” he lamented.
While acknowledging that the district assembly lacks the full capacity to carry out land reclamation, the DCE assured that efforts are being made with the support of drone technology to identify and monitor illegal sites.
He noted that offenders who had blocked parts of the Akontombra River were summoned by the police and ordered to desilt the waterway.
“You can’t expect this to be solved in just one and a half months. But we are doing our best,” he added.
In dismissing allegations by the NPP’s Regional Communications Officer that the current MP is involved in galamsey, Mr. Appiah said such claims are unfounded and politically motivated.
“People should ignore this Regional Communication Officer who goes around taking videos and claiming that the current Member of Parliament is doing this and that. It’s neither here nor there. They created the mess, and we are here to clean it up.”
The DCE commended the current MP for Akontombra, Pious Kwame Nkuah, for his ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to combat illegal mining in the district.
He assured residents that more rigorous efforts, backed by national support, will be implemented soon to address the problem decisively.
“This fight will not be led by the district alone; support will come from higher levels to help apply the necessary pressure to stop these activities,” he concluded.
