“Birim Central MCE denies extorting money from galamsey operators, blames MP for orchestrating false allegations.”
The Municipal Chief Executive of Birim Central Municipality Eastern Region, Hon Solomon Kusi Brako, has debunked allegations that he has extorted GH₵15,000 from each galamsey operator in the municipality.
There were rumors in the media that the MCE is extorting money from galamsey operators and preventing them from working in the municipality.
The MCE, Hon. Solomon Kusi Brako, speaking to the media, described the allegations as frivolous, baseless, and unfounded.
He alleged that the Akyem Oda MP is orchestrating these claims because he has been uncomfortable with his appointment as MCE.
Hon. Solomon Kusi Brako, explained that the galamsey operators had licenses from Ghana Consolidated Diamond (GCD) but were mining without business operating permits from the Birim Central Municipal Assembly.
He said the Municipal task force visited the mining site to inspect businesss operating permits, but the miners lacked them, leading to the confiscation of their excavators.
Due to transportation issues, the control boards were taken to the Assembly instead.
The miners followed up for their control boards, but were refused.
They returned the next day, and the MCE invited the Municipal Finance Officer to explain the situation.
The officer informed them that working without a permit is illegal and imposed fines of GH₵15,000 each and GH₵10,000 on one.
The MCE emphasized that receipts were issued, and the fines were deposited into the Assembly’s account, questioning how this could be considered extortion.
He denied the allegations, suspecting the MP of orchestrating them due to discomfort with his appointment.
The MCE alleged that the NPP Communications Officer promised to get him sacked, which he believes is part the reason why they are making false allegations against him.
Hon. Solomon Kusi Brako reiterated that a GCD license doesn’t exempt one from obtaining a business operating permit.
He called for a thorough investigation and stated that he has petitioned the President, IGP, and NIB on illegal mining, demonstrating his resolve to combat galamsey.
The MCE has also written to the Environment Ministry to request protection for rivers in the municipality.
He asked those making false allegations to bow their heads in shame.