The Media Relations Officer at the Lands Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has defended the decision to allow the Amansie Central District Chief Executive (DCE) under investigation to remain in office, insisting that his continued presence has not affected the integrity of the ongoing probe.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Monday, March 16, while responding to concerns about why the Amansie Central DCE, Emmanuel Obeng Agyemang, has not been asked to step aside, Mr Schandorf explained that the investigative process has been structured in a way that prevents interference.

According to him, the mechanisms and protocols guiding the inquiry are strong enough to ensure that the investigation proceeds independently, regardless of whether the individual being investigated remains in office.

“I have indicated earlier that his presence in office has not in any way compromised or diluted the quality of the ongoing probe and inquiry,” Mr Schandorf said.

He, however, acknowledged that there are differing public opinions on the matter, particularly regarding the optics of the situation.

“Yes, optically we can all agree that if he were out of office, perhaps that would communicate a certain level of seriousness. There is that school of thought,” the official admitted.

Despite these concerns, Mr Schandorf maintained that the structure of the investigative process has been designed to prevent any potential interference.

He explained that properly designed investigative mechanisms can effectively thwart attempts to influence or undermine enquiries, even when the subject of the investigation remains in office.

He therefore assured the public that the DCE’s presence in office, although a legitimate concern for some observers, does not in any way undermine the ongoing investigation.

His comments follow a JoyNews Hotline investigative documentary titled, “A Tax for Galamsey".

The documentary uncovered an extortion racket fuelling illegal mining. The documentary revealed the authorisation and collection of illegal mining-related taxes in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region.

According to the investigation, illegal mining activities in the district are allegedly not only being tolerated but systematically taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees.

The report states that undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and on-the-ground infiltration point to an alleged extortion network involving the District Assembly and a task force operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.

Following these revelations, civil society groups and sections of the public called for the DCE to be sacked or suspended while investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Mr Schandorf has indicated that the report will be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2026.