Chiefs, Assembly Members refute claims there's an ongoing galamsey in Gyeninso forest
Nana Appiah Kubi II said there's no truth in the circulating audio where Prof. Albert Joseph Quarm could be heard saying there's an ongoing galamsey in the Gyeninso forest.
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Chiefs and assembly member within Gyeninso in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region have refuted claims there's ongoing illegal mining activity in the Gyeninso forest.
According to them, there's circulating audio in which the former MP for the area, Prof. Albert Joseph Quarm could be heard saying there's an ongoing galamsey in the Gyeninso forest.
The chief of Gyeninso, Nana Appiah Kubi II said there's no truth in such audio and if there's any ongoing forest galamsey, he as a chief knows nothing about it. He, therefore, called on those making such claims to provide evidence for follow up since he has warned his people never to engage in such activities.
"I have never done 'gala' before and I don't even know anything about galamsey," he said.
"Nobody has ever come to me for any land to do galamsey. If there's anyone in the forest without my knowledge, people should help me locate them because they're thieves. I have spoken against illegal mining on several occasions.
"I once commended the government and even made a recommendation on a radio station. I plead with Prof. to provide me with further details so that we follow up to get illegal persons," the chief said.
Chief of Jeninso
On his part, Otumfour Mmentiahene, Nana Tweneboah Kodua said there's nothing like that and he sees such a serious allegation as something that needs critical attention and investigation. He, therefore, called on Prof. Quarm to help them with evidence.
"I heard about such allegation when I was in Kumasi. I came around, went to the forest to find out but couldn't find anything as such. I haven't seen any chief given such forest for illegal mining since it goes contrary to the President's directive.
"Prof Quarm should kindly help us with evidence, else such a claim is something serious that tarnishes the chiefs' image.
"In fact, we will make him face us in court should he fail to help out with evidence to claim," he said.
Lastly, Assemblymember for the Area, Honourable Frederick Kofi Mintah said he as hasn't seen or heard any chief given a forest to someone for illegal mining.
"I have never seen anyone enter the forest with an excavator or any suspicious mining. I urged such people with the said allegation to provide immediate evidence or stop tarnishing the town's image," he said.
