Yaw Danso
THE DISTRICT Chief Executive for Bosome Freho in the Ashanti Region, Yaw Danso, has been summoned by the government for allegedly indulging in illegal mining.
President Akufo-Addo, who made the disclosure, stated that the beleaguered DCE’s continuation in office would depend on how best he proves his innocence of the charges.
He made the disclosure during a crunch meeting with all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Ashanti Region in Kumasi yesterday.
President Akufo-Addo said the DCE was supposed to respond to questions about his alleged involvement in galamsey last week but he could not do so after his wife unfortunately died.
According to the President, the Bosome Freho DCE, latest by next week, should be able to respond to the allegations made against him for an action to be taken on him by the Local Government Ministry.
President Akufo-Addo stated that he would not protect any of his appointees who would be found culpable of indulging in galamsey.
As a lawyer, he said he does not act based on mere allegations, and would therefore want the issue to be probed.
According to him, his administration has decided to fight illegal mining and, therefore, it would be inappropriate for any of his MMDCEs to do otherwise and undermine his efforts.
“You represent the President in your areas therefore, I cannot wage a war while you compromise it. That will not work,” the President stated, adding that his resolve to fight galamsey is non-negotiable.
He said the government’s hope of retaining power in 2024 would be enhanced when polluted water bodies in the country become clean, forests are protected, and galamsey lands reclaimed.
The President stated that his MMDCEs have continually been accused of indulging in illegal mining, an allegation which automatically affects his government.
In this regard, he admonished the MMDCEs to act in a positive way that would help clear their names, stressing that “in governance, reputation is everything.”
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi