Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Birim Central, Solomon Kusi Brako
THE Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Birim Central, Solomon Kusi Brako, has dismissed allegations that he extorted money from illegal miners in exchange for allowing them to operate within the municipality.
The clarification follows reports alleging that the MCE demanded GH₵15,000 from illegal miners to permit their continued operations. The claims, reportedly made by Richard Asare, a branch chairman of the NDC and a known miner in the area, accused the MCE of using his visits to mining sites for personal enrichment rather than law enforcement.
But speaking at a press conference, Mr. Brako described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that he had never received money from illegal miners, contrary to reports circulating in sections of the media.
According to him, while some licensed miners who engaged in environmentally harmful activities were sanctioned by the Assembly, all such fines were officially paid into the Assembly’s coffers with receipts issued.
Explanation
He explained that Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL), a licensed mining company based in Akwatia, operates a concession that extends into the Birim Central Municipality. Under the country’s tributary mining system, GCDGL has sublet portions of its concession to small-scale miners for a fee.
However, the MCE noted that some of these sublet miners often breached mining regulations, resulting in the destruction of land and water bodies. When apprehended, they are fined by the Assembly in accordance with the law. “These fines are duly paid into the Assembly’s account, and receipts are issued. The records are available for verification,” he stated
.Mr. Brako clarified that the payment referred to in the allegations was a lawful fine imposed on small-scale miners operating without proper licences under GCDGL — not an act of extortion
.He further reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to responsible mining and environmental protection, urging the public to verify facts before spreading unsubstantiated allegations.
