No Galamsey At The Residence Of President Akufo-Addo In Kyebi
No Galamsey At The Residence Of President Akufo-Addo In Kyebi
In and around the private residence of President Akufo-Addo in Kyebi, his birthplace, there is no mining activity.
The Chronicle did not observe the devastation of the wall and garden of the President's residence in Kyebi, despite widespread reports to the contrary, when it visited the residence yesterday
The green grass and blooming blossoms on the president's residence's grounds.
Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the former chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), reported to the Chief of Staff that the NPP Constituency Youth Organiser was illegally mining in the backyard of President Akufo-Addo's home in Kyebi, destroying his wall and garden.
The president's residence's left side when confronting it.
Many Ghanaians who have responded to this story assert that, if true, it undermines the president's commitment to combating illicit mining.
The President's residence
The Chronicle toured the vicinity of the president's residence in Kyebi yesterday, but did not observe any signs of mining.
The road in front of Akufo-Addo's residence in Kyebi.
Additionally, the newspaper contacted the traditional authority and a few residents, who denied the allegation.
UNCOMFORTABLE
The rear of the residence
Traditional Authority in Kyebi stated that they were "uncomfortable" with the accusation and subsequent negative commentary.
Kyebihene Osabarima Marfo Kwabrane stated in an interview, "There is nothing like [galamsey] going on here."
The house's right side when viewed from the front
The Abontendomhene, flanked by members of the traditional council, expressed displeasure with the accusation, "notably Kyebi and the Traditional Council. People are attempting to destroy the reputation of a man who has labored for almost 45 years to achieve his current position. It is poor."
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng may be required to visit the city in order to prove his accusation against the president, according to him.
Palm trees, grass, and pavement encompass the property.
When asked what the traditional council had done regarding galamsey in general in Kyebi, he stated that the Okyenhene, Amoatia Ofori-Payin, is combating illegal mining with vigor.
When authorities become aware of illegal mining, he stated that certain devices are confiscated and illegal miners are evicted from each site.
CARETAKER
Madam Gladys Agyekumaa, a senior citizen who claimed to have resided in the president's residence since 1991, refuted the claim categorically.
The Chronicle posed a direct query to her regarding the location of illegal mining within or around the residence
Mad Agyekumaa responded to the query with "Gold?" and "It is not true" in the Akan language, before providing a history of her residence in the house.
According to her, the claim that her 32-year-old home was being mined for gold could not be genuine.
She told this publication that President Akufo-Addo "will not permit you to cut down a single tree, much less mine for gold."
POLITICS
The Chronicle contacted NPP Abuakwa South Constituency officials regarding this matter.
Recall that the controversial report stated that the NPP Youth Organizer was responsible for the mining in the president's property.
Julius Okyere, the General Secretary of the Constituency, told this newspaper that the news was shocking because it was untrue.
He pointed to the area encircling the contested residence and stated, "You have come here and looked around, but there is no mining activity here."
He added that the location did not even resemble reclaimed land for one to believe it was once a mine.
Prof. Frimpong Boateng was admonished to pick his battles cautiously if he had personal grudges with the party, "but not to drag the name of Kyebi and the constituency into it."
Mr. Curtis, the chairman of the constituency, refused to disclose much information beyond the fact that the executives would take measures to clear the constituency of the allegation.
ANGRY NEIGHBORS
Some residents in close proximity to the house could not believe the accusations. Nana Ama, proprietor of a hair salon on the street in front of the president's residence, was particularly astonished by the news, stating that nothing of the sort has occurred in or around the president's residence.