The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda and former Deputy Health Minister, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama’s recent defense of local officials allegedly involved in “taxing” illegal mining operations.
The MP questioned the President’s narrative regarding the collection of taxes and fines from illegal miners—a practice that has sparked national outrage.
The controversy stems from recent statements made by President Mahama, who sought to justify the actions of various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
The President suggested that these appointees may have “wrongfully applied” revenue measures to illegal miners out of ignorance, rather than malice or corruption.
In a scathing Facebook post, however, the Akyem Oda legislator expressed his clear dissatisfaction with the President’s explanation.
”I find it difficult to understand,” Hon. Acquah wrote.
“If the President’s investigative team were hands-on, they would have discovered that some of the appointees actually took the monies for themselves and only raised receipts when the alarm bell sounded.”
He alleges that receipts were issued only as a cover-up once the public became aware of the illicit collections, and he questioned why appointees are being “exonerated” if their actions constitute a crime under the law.
In a bold rhetorical move, the former deputy minister asked if the President is acting as a “clearing agent”—a term frequently used in Ghanaian politics to describe a leader who prematurely clears subordinates of wrongdoing before a thorough investigation is conducted.
The MP’s comments underscore growing tension within the ruling party regarding the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
While the government has declared war on the practice, the revelation that state officials might be “taxing” the destruction of the environment and keeping the proceeds has dealt a blow to public confidence.
It has also created a negative impression and undermined President Mahama’s perceived commitment to fighting the menace, especially given the stern stance he and key NDC cabinet ministers took against galamsey while in opposition.
Sections of the public appear to be in dismay, questioning whether the collection of these fees is a simple administrative error or a deeper sign of institutionalized corruption.
The Jubilee House is yet to issue an official response to the MP’s specific allegations regarding the alleged falsified receipts.
By 1960news.com
