The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, Ing. Hamidu Abdallah, has denied allegations linking him to illegal mining, describing the claims as false and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations were made by a group of Assembly Members who accused the DCE of allegedly colluding with illegal miners whose activities have degraded farmlands and water bodies in parts of the district.
Nana Akwasi Asare Nyansapor, Assembly Member for Akokofe and leader of the group, alleged that illegal mining activities were ongoing in communities including Beposo, Yaase, Adwafo, Amakom and Konkoma.
“The DCE, Hamidu, is colluding with illegal miners to degrade our environment. Right now, illegal mining is ongoing in some communities,” he alleged.
The Assembly Members further claimed that the DCE had previously denied the existence of illegal mining in the district until a recent operation by a regional task force resulted in the seizure of five excavators.
They have threatened to petition President John Dramani Mahama and initiate a vote of no confidence against the DCE.
DCE rejects allegations
Ing. Abdallah has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he has never been involved in mining, whether legal or illegal.
“I have never been involved in any form of mining, be it legal or illegal, in my entire life, let alone illegal mining. I have no concession, no excavator, and no hand in galamsey anywhere in Bosomtwe,” he said.
He also rejected claims that his administration had attempted to conceal illegal mining activities in the district.
According to the DCE, the Assembly has actively participated in efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly around Lake Bosomtwe, which is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
He said a recent operation that led to the seizure of five excavators and the dismantling of pumping machines was conducted under his leadership in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the District Security Council (DISEC).
“How can I be the one leading the operation to seize excavators and at the same time be accused of owning those same excavators? The logic does not hold,” he said.
Ing. Abdallah explained that after receiving reports of illegal mining activities near Lake Bosomtwe, he personally led a team to inspect the affected areas.
He subsequently wrote to the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Minerals Commission requesting a review of mining licences within the enclave and the deployment of a task force to address the situation.
“The Assembly was duly informed. The Presiding Member and key stakeholders were part of engagements after the operation. So to say the Assembly was kept in the dark is factually incorrect,” he added.
DCE threatens legal action
Ing. Abdallah said he had instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action against Nana Asare Akwasi Nyansapor over the allegations.
“As for the allegations of illegal mining levelled against me, I will never forgive them. I have instructed my lawyer to file a lawsuit against the accuser to compel him to provide evidence of my involvement in such activities before the court,” he said.
The DCE attributed the accusations to what he described as internal political disagreements within the district.
He alleged that some Assembly Members were unhappy after their attempts to secure mining-related favours in the district were blocked.
Ing. Abdallah nevertheless reaffirmed his commitment to supporting government efforts to combat illegal mining and protect farmlands, water bodies and the wider environment in the Bosomtwe District.
