Policy analyst and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr. Emmanuel Steve Asare Manteaw, has called on the government to investigate allegations of illegal mining made against the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Brako Kusi, insisting that the matter should be handled through a transparent inquiry rather than traditional rituals.
Dr. Manteaw’s comments follow the decision by the Birim Central MCE to invoke traditional sanctions against the Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, over allegations linking him to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In a statement shared on social media, Dr. Manteaw expressed disappointment over the escalation of the dispute and urged authorities to focus on establishing the truth through investigations.
“It’s unfortunate to take things this far. I know Hon. Akwasi Acquah very well. He harbours no malice against the MCE. He has personally shared evidence of his allegations with me. I’m surprised they have not been accorded the needed attention. I urge government to demonstrate commitment to the fight against galamsey by investigating these allegations and making the findings public,” he wrote.
According to Dr. Manteaw, the allegations raised by the Akyem Oda MP should not be dismissed without due scrutiny, particularly given the country’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining.
He stressed that a credible investigation and public disclosure of the findings would reinforce public confidence in the government’s anti-galamsey campaign and demonstrate that no public official is beyond accountability.
The latest intervention comes after a dramatic incident on Friday, July 31, 2026, when Birim Central MCE Solomon Brako Kusi performed traditional rites at the banks of the River Birem, locally known as Asuo Bremu, in Akyem Oda.
The MCE reportedly poured libation and sacrificed a ram while invoking the river deity to punish anyone deliberately making false allegations against him.
Mr. Brako Kusi said the ritual was prompted by repeated claims by the Akyem Oda MP that he was involved in illegal mining activities within the municipality.
He firmly denied the accusations, describing them as false, malicious and politically motivated.
According to the MCE, the allegations were intended to tarnish his image and influence President John Dramani Mahama to remove him from office.
He maintained that he has never engaged in or supported illegal mining and said his decision to resort to traditional sanctions followed what he described as persistent public attacks on his integrity through television and radio appearances by the MP.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate, with governance experts, civil society organisations and political observers questioning both the allegations and the MCE’s decision to invoke traditional sanctions over a matter of public accountability.
The controversy also comes at a time when illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges, with rivers, forests and farmlands including the River Birem continuing to suffer severe degradation from galamsey activities.
Dr. Manteaw’s call for an independent investigation is expected to add further pressure on the government to thoroughly examine the allegations and publicly communicate its findings as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining.
By 1960news.com
