The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo-Atti-Morkwa, Isaac Yawson, has dismissed suggestions that Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are contributing to the menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Yawson maintained that local authorities are actively working to combat the practice, not enable it.
“I completely disagree with those who accuse MMDCEs of supporting galamsey,” he said.
The DCE highlighted measures taken under his watch, including several arrests and the seizure of mining equipment from offenders. He also challenged critics to produce evidence if they believe any MMDCE is involved in underhand dealings.
Mr. Yawson proposed a total ban on the importation of changfan machines widely used by illegal miners as one of the most effective strategies to curb galamsey. According to him, restricting the entry of such machinery at the country’s ports would significantly weaken illegal mining operations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss all MMDCEs and Police Commanders in areas where illegal mining persists.
Mr. Yawson, however, insisted that MMDCEs should not be blamed for the crisis.
“We are not the problem. We are part of the solution,” he emphasised.
