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In a strongly worded press statement released earlier yesterday , Mr. Isham Alhassan, the Ashanti Regional Organiser and Political Coordinator of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), categorically refuted and condemned recent allegations linking the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.”
Mr. Alhassan, who stated he was out of the country on official assignment until recently, addressed the press to present the facts and counter what he described as “unfounded allegations” designed to tarnish the Minister’s reputation.
The Regional Organiser firmly asserted that the allegations are “baseless and without merit,” highlighting Dr. Amoakohene’s consistent dedication to environmental protection and sustainable development within the region.
“The Hon. Regional Minister has always been a champion of sustainable development and environmental protection, working tirelessly to promote responsible mining practices and combat illegal mining in the region,” Mr. Alhassan stated.
He cited clear examples of the Minister’s proactive engagement, including his “tireless effort to resolve the confrontation between Asanko Mining Company Ltd. and the local Community in Amansie South District.”
Furthermore, Mr. Alhassan recalled a diplomatic intervention, noting that during an official visit to China, Dr. Amoakohene “categorically warned… those non-conformist Chinese Citizens who engage in illegal mining in Ghana, especially in the Ashanti Region, to stay off our river bodies and forest reserves.”
The Organiser also stressed the Minister’s lead role in ensuring the reclamation of degraded lands and forest reserves in the Ashanti Region, emphasizing that the allegations are a calculated attempt to “undermine his efforts to promote good governance and responsible mining.”
Demonstrating a profound confidence in the Minister’s innocence, Mr. Alhassan issued a direct and serious challenge to the public.
“In this regard, I challenge anyone with evidence of the Minister’s involvement in illegal mining to come forward and present it,” he declared.
Taking a significant and unconventional political step, Mr. Alhassan further cemented his conviction by putting his own position on the line. “I put my office on the line and will resign effective immediately if anyone produces any evidence against the Minister in this regard,” he vowed, underscoring the seriousness of his denial and the Minister’s commitment to “transparency and accountability.”
Mr. Alhassan did not mince words regarding the perceived source and motivation behind the allegations. He suggested the propaganda is politically motivated, stemming from parties who feel threatened by the Minister’s effectiveness.
“Dr. Frank Amoakohene is doing an overwhelming job in the Region and collapsing the very base of the NPP,” he claimed, adding a cautionary note to those attempting to destabilize the Minister’s work: “If the NPP or any other person or group of persons think this propaganda can bring him down, then they better fasten their belts because he is just about turning on the ignition.”
He concluded this section by expressing his pride in the Minister, whom he also serves as Regional Secretary, calling him focused and an exceptional leader.
Intriguingly, the Regional Organiser also directed a word of caution to his own NDC colleagues, suggesting that internal machinations might be at play. He addressed unnamed individuals within the party who may think Dr. Amoakohene is “too young to hold this position.”
“He is a ‘small boy with big God’ and no amount of internal machinations will bring him down,” Mr. Alhassan warned, urging party members to “jealously protect and project” the young Minister’s bright political future and to be “cautious of our public utterances against one another.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Alhassan reiterated his firm position and the Minister’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
“I -ISHAM ALHASSAN- am SAYING IT AGAIN THAT ANYONE WHO HAS EVIDENCE OF MY MINISTER’S INVOLVEMENT IN GALAMSEY SHOULD BRING FORTH THE EVIDENCE AND THAT I WILL VACATE MY POSITION TODAY,” he concluded.
He urged the public to disregard these baseless allegations and to remain focused on the government’s development and environmental protection agenda, promising that all necessary steps will be taken to protect the Minister’s reputation and ensure justice prevails.
