Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), stated that there is no illicit small scale mining activity (Galamsey) occurring in the backyard of the President's residence in his hometown of Kyebi in the Eastern Region.
Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a former chair of the government's (IMCIM) and former Minister of Environment, Science, has alleged that galamsey is occurring a few meters from the residence of President Akufo-Addo in Kyebi.
In his 37-page report to the chief of staff on the struggle against illegal mining, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng alleged that a party youth organizer had a concession closer to the president's residence.
In response, Mr. Ahiagbah tweeted, "The media has a difficult job of searching for the facts in order to serve us all.
However, the claim that people are galamseying in the rear of the President's residence in Kyebi should be straightforward for the media to confirm in order to put Ghanaians' minds at ease.
The media must travel to Kyebi to confirm this alarming claim!"
The Presidency previously responded to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng's report by stating that it could only be referred to as a list of personal grievances and claims.
The government seat reported that the document was delivered to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President on March 19, 2021, during an informal meeting at which Prof.
The President of the Republic did not renew Frimpong-Boateng's term as Minister in his second term.
"The document lacked a transmittal or cover letter, as well as a consignee, indicating that it was not sent to the Chief of Staff for action.
Frimpong-Boateng has not done either," according to the statement.
It continued, "It is also essential to note that, while Prof.
Frimpong-Boateng makes severe allegations against certain government appointees, accusing them of being involved in, supporting, or interfering with the fight against illegal mining. However, not a single piece of evidence was offered or presented to allow the allegations to be investigated thoroughly.
"The allegations made in the document are, at best, hearsay."
Since Frimpong-Boateng's meeting with the Chief of Staff in March 2021, he has neither taken any action nor acted in furtherance of the document's contents.
It added that the President's commitment to combating illegal mining is unwavering, and that the Office of the President welcomes any information on illegal mining activities that provides a credible foundation for the Ghana Police Service to conduct investigations.