Wisdom Osei Boamah, MCE for the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, has strongly denied allegations that he is involved in illegal mining (galamsey), calling the claims “baseless” and motivated by hate and malice.

He has also challenged critics to allow a formal and independent probe into the said allegations.

Speaking on Angel FM during a programme hosted by Nana Darkwa Soldier, the MCE said he is ready to accept the outcome of any credible investigation and made a serious pledge. In his pledge, he said, “If any credible investigation shows I am into galamsey, I will resign.”

Boamah used the radio platform to refute the public accusations and urged relevant authorities to carry out a transparent inquiry to clear the matter. He framed his readiness to step down as evidence of confidence in his innocence and of his willingness to be held accountable if found culpable.

Background to the allegations

A group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) youth, led by Mohammed Iddrisu, who describes himself as a member of an anti-galamsey task force, held a press conference and submitted a petition to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council demanding the MCE’s removal.

The petition accuses Boamah of facilitating large-scale destruction of a forest reserve and the pollution of the River Offin through illicit mining activities. The group also alleges that the MCE has invoked the name of NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia as a cover for the alleged activities.

Tension in the municipality has escalated since the allegations surfaced, with protesters calling for immediate administrative action and stricter enforcement against illegal mining. The complainants want the regional council and other regulatory bodies to investigate and, if necessary, remove the MCE from the office.

In reaction to the said claims, Osei Boamah has publicly invited a credible probe into the matter and framed resignation as the appropriate response if the investigation substantiates the claims. The matters continue to unfold as the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council is yet to come out with any official response.