The Abuakwa South Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed, says his son is not engaged in illegal mining, also known as 'galamsey'.

This is contrary to claims made by the Municipal Chief Executive of Abuakwa South, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins which raised red flags.

The MCE had revealed during his appearance before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development that the son of the NDC Chairman's son owns a galamsey site that he recently visited during an operation.

He disclosed this after the Oda MP sought clarifications from him regarding the said operations, which also went viral on social media.

The MCE stated that while he is not acquainted with all of the people engaged in illicit mining in the Abuakwa South Municipality, he is at least aware of one of the kingpins, whose mining site was run by the son of the NDC Chairman.

"Madam Chair, I'd want to put it on record, that site we were, was the site of our constituency chairman's son's mining site, and that was the first day of my operations and that was the first place I went to, to make sure I clamp down that activities, so that, I believe stays my commitment towards fighting the galamsey fight in Abuakwa South," he told the committee.

But in a statement issued to rebut the allegation, the constituency chairman, Alhaji Sanusi, clarified that his son is a legally licensed gold merchant in Ghana, and all his business activities are duly regulated by law.

"The MCE's visit to my son's mining site was clearly a deliberate attempt to send a clear message to all who are into mining, and we welcome his commitment to fighting illegal mining.

"However, it is worrying that a section of the media, social media commentators and some opposition party activists have jumped to conclusions, implying guilt without evidence," the statement noted.

He denied the assertion that his son is engaged in illegal mining and urged the public to disregard any such claim.

"My son is a licensed gold merchant and every other gold business he is into is within the law," Alhaji Sanusi added.

Find full statement below:

MY SON IS NOT INTO ILLEGAL MINING

My attention has been drawn to allegations of illegal mining activities involving my son, which have been fueled by a recent video and statements made by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) before a parliamentary select committee.

The MCE's visit to my son's mining site was clearly a deliberate attempt to send a clear message to all who are into mining, and we welcome his commitment to fighting illegal mining.

However, it is worrying that a section of the media, social media commentators and some opposition party activists have jumped to conclusions, implying guilt without evidence.

It is more worrying because the MCE did not say anywhere in his submission that my son is into illegal mining.

My son is a licensed gold merchant and every other gold business he is into is within the law.

I want to categorically state that these claims are baseless and unfounded.

My son's reputation and business integrity will not be tarnished by speculation and rumor.

Any attempt to tarnish my hard earned reputation by dragging my son's name into the mud will not wash.

Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed
Chairman, NDC
Abuakwa South constituency
Kyebi.
0244133856