The Technical Advisor and spokesperson for the Vice President has described as unfounded allegations that the Akufo-Addo-led regime has been dishing out concessions to party members to engage in illegal mining.
Dr Gideon Boako said the administration had made it very clear that anyone caught in what is popularly called ‘galamsey’, irrespective of the person’s political affiliation shall be dealt with according to the law.
“If anyone in government or an affine of government gets involved in this act, one, it does not just go to discredit the government, but it is also an act that must not be tolerated in society,” he reiterated.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile Saturday, he stated that all party members with mining concessions had obtained them properly, going through the various processes legally to acquire them.
He cited the governing New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chair, Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly called Wontumi’s mining concession, which in recent weeks has been a topic for discussion.
Mr Wontumi’s was allegedly implicated in a leaked audiotape suggesting he was benefiting from one of such concession and using the funds to fund the NPP’s activities.
Dr Boako stated that Wontumi had acquired his concession during former President John Mahama’s era and thus, the current government could not be accused of nepotism.
“Wontumi more or less was having the largest concession as a Ghanaian in the country during the era of Mahama. He was mining, and so it wasn’t today that he started mining,” he said.
He added that Wontumi had the right to sponsor a political activity with proceeds from his concession.
Dr Boako, however, commended government on its efforts and successes in combating galamsey in the country.
According to him, hitherto the ruling party’s efforts, there were problems issuing licenses to people interested in mining, and state agencies and institutions did not have enough capacity to regulate, monitor and license mining activities in the country.
Latest Stories
-
“I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart,” Rangnick turns down Bayern
16 mins -
Failed asylum seeker given £3,000 to go to Rwanda
18 mins -
Nigerian gasoline prices soar as shortages worsen cost of living crisis
37 mins -
Paris 2024: We will win medal at Olympics if government invests more – GPC President
42 mins -
Akufo-Addo calls for protection of Ghana’s democratic reputation and identity
44 mins -
Apple working to fix alarming iPhone issue
46 mins -
‘You won’t win GPL title without your own stadium’ – Bashir Hayford tells Kotoko, Hearts
49 mins -
Ryan Garcia denies using performance-enhancing drugs after beating Devin Haney
1 hour -
We must change phenomenon of moneyed elections – Raymond Atuguba
1 hour -
Accra Lions punished us for not taking our chances – Hearts of Oak assistant coach Abdul Bashiru
1 hour -
Biosafety Authority welcomes court’s dismissal of application seeking injunction on approval of 14 GMOs
1 hour -
Adaklu-Tevikpo murder suspect arrested from hideout
1 hour -
Asante artefacts return: Reawakening of Asante’s Soul
1 hour -
ECG attributes May 1 dumsor to rainstorm
2 hours -
Armed robbers attack Mobile Money agent in broad daylight at Tumu
2 hours