Three Ghanaian citizens have petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate allegations that three Regional Ministers are involved in illegal mining, despite the accuser having already retracted the claim.
In the petition dated 19 November, the group asked police to open a formal inquiry into comments made by Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah, Head of Mobilisation at Democracy Hub, during a live interview on Aluta FM on 18 November Yeboah had alleged that the Ashanti, Western and Eastern Regional Ministers were engaged in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The allegations, which were widely circulated, prompted public criticism and demands for evidence. Yeboah later issued a retraction and apology, admitting the claims were not based on fact.
The petitioners — Daniel Sasu Omari, Jerry James Suker and Darren Jackson Pra — said the withdrawal does not resolve the matter, arguing that the accusations could damage the reputation of state officials and undermine government efforts against illegal mining.
They urged the CID to question Yeboah, the programme host and the producer of the Aluta FM broadcast to determine whether the claims were made with malicious intent.
“The truth must be established to protect the integrity of public office and maintain public trust,” the petition said.
Ghana has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining amid environmental concerns, with senior government officials repeatedly denying involvement in the activity.
Source: asaaseradio.com
