Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has reiterated his commitment to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that his actions are motivated by a desire to protect the environment and uphold the law — not to sabotage the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Kusi Brako.
His clarification follows a recent demonstration by a section of residents and comments by the Krontihene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Obrempong Gyamfi Saforo Kyereh II, who appealed for calm and urged both political leaders to work together in the interest of the constituency.
Dispute
The latest tension stems from the MP’s public accusation that the MCE had been aiding illegal mining activities in the Birim Central Municipality. The allegation triggered
a heated public exchange between the two, prompting calls from traditional authorities for an end to the feud.
The Krontihene, in a recent press conference, advised both leaders to focus on their respective duties and avoid acts of sabotage that could derail development in Akyem Oda. Some youth groups in the constituency have since backed the traditional council’s call for unity and collaboration between the MP and the MCE.
Response
In a statement Mr Akwasi Acquah defended his position, asserting that his stance against galamsey was grounded in principle.
“As the representative of the people of Akyem Oda, I remain committed to fighting illegal mining in our constituency. When I exposed the MCE for facilitating galamsey activities, I was simply doing my job,” he stated.
The MP expressed disappointment that his actions had been misconstrued as sabotage, saying he expected the traditional leadership to demand a thorough
investigation rather than criticise his efforts.
“I did not expect condemnation from the Krontihene for standing up for what is right. Instead of calling for a thorough investigation, I was rather accused of sabotaging the MCE,” he said.
Calls for Transparency
Hon. Akwasi Acquah further disclosed plans to release detailed findings on alleged transactions between local authorities and illegal miners, which he claimed involved fines paid to allow galamsey operations to continue.
“In the coming days, I will lay bare all my findings and demand answers from all stakeholders as we peruse the legality or otherwise of asking galamsey operators to pay fines and be allowed to continue their destruction of our environment,” the statement read.
He called on all well-meaning citizens and traditional leaders to join his campaign against environmental degradation, insisting that the focus should be on addressing the core issue of illegal mining and the
involvement of influential figures, not on diverting attention with political accusations.
Unity
The MP emphasised that his advocacy was in line with his role as Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government, adding that his commitment to the anti-galamsey fight was unwavering.
“I believe in the power of our traditional institutions and the wisdom of our chiefs. Together, we can work towards a better future for our constituency,” he concluded.
