We welcome probe into galamsey allegations – Forestry Commission

The management of the Forestry Commission (FC) has welcomed any probe into illegal mining allegation levelled against its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie popularly known as Sir John.

This comes on the heels of allegation levelled against Sir John by the Minority in parliament led by Ranking Member of Parliament's Mines and Energy Committee, Adam Mutawakilu, that, the CEO of Forestry Commission was neck-deep in some galamsey activities.

As a result, some small-scale miners, as well as a group calling itself Forest Watch, have called for thorough investigations into the matter.

The Forestry Commission in a statement however said, Mr Afriyie “has not, is not and will not be involved in illegal mining”.

The statement said, as the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, it is Sir John’s sole prerogative to ensure the sustainability and growth of Ghana’s forests. “Having this in mind, he has initiated a lot of afforestation projects, popular among them is the Youth in Afforestation Programme, which is jointly implemented by Forestry Commission and the Youth Employment Agency.”

“The Forestry Commission and its Chief Executive are therefore prepared for any probe from any quarters in connection with this allegation of his involvement in galamsey. We assure all stakeholders that we will cooperate with them on any probe that will be initiated in connection with this allegation,” the statement added.

The Commission said it wants to clear the air of all erroneous impressions about it and it’s Chief Executive as that will restore the hard earned reputation of the Commission and Sir John.

The Commission further noted that it is the custodian for the protection, development and sustainable management of Ghana’s forests and will, therefore, not do anything contrary to what the mandate of the Commission states.

Meanwhile, Sir John has refuted accusations that he is involved in galamsey.