The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources says investigations into allegations that the Amansie Central District Chief Executive (DCE), Emmanuel Agyemang, was involved in taxing illegal mining (galamsey) activities are nearing completion.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, the probe is at an advanced stage, and the final outcome is expected before the end of the first quarter of the year.
Speaking on the Midday News on Joy FM on Monday, March 16, he said the investigation has taken longer than initially expected because of the complexity of the issues involved.
“Well, as of now, plans are far advanced. The entire process has actually travelled a very long haul, and in the not-too-distant future, hopefully by the end of the first quarter of this year, the outcome should be finalised,” he said.
Mr Schandorf explained that although authorities had earlier indicated the process would be completed quickly, the broader implications of the matter required a more detailed examination.
“Initially, we had indicated that the process would be done expeditiously and communicated, but looking at the far-reaching consequences… it is not only the disputing question that the set charges or levies are taken. It cuts across,” he said.
He added that investigators want the final recommendations to address wider issues within the system.
“If you examine the complexities and all of that, we want to do a very thorough job. The recommendation should be one that will reform the entirety of the system so that we are all well aligned,” he explained.
“That is what has essentially accounted for, for want of a better word, the delay in the outcome. But we can expect that by the close of the first quarter of this year, there will be proper finality and closure to this matter.”
The investigation follows a JoyNews documentary that revealed that the office of the Amansie Central DCE was involved in systematically taxing illegal mining operations in the district.
Read also: A Tax For Galamsey: JoyNews exposé links DCE to GH₵6,000 ‘galamsey fees’
The exposé claimed miners were charged various fees, including GH¢3,000 for each changfang machine, and that receipts were issued for the payments. Some officials were also captured admitting they helped to organise the documentation process.
The revelations sparked public outrage, with calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the DCE.
Government officials had earlier assured the public that Mr Agyemang would be interdicted while investigations were ongoing.
However, he remains in office, a situation that has raised further questions.
Responding to concerns about why the DCE is still at post, Mr Schandorf said his continued presence in office does not compromise the integrity of the investigation.
“Well, I have had to indicate earlier that his presence in office does not in any way compromise or dilute the quality of the ongoing probe and inquiry,” he said.
He said that the investigative procedures in place are designed to prevent interference, even if the person under investigation remains in their position.
“If you look at the mechanisms and the protocols for the ongoing investigations, his presence in office does not in any way affect it,” he explained.
He admitted, however, that some members of the public might have preferred a different approach.
“Yes, optically we can all agree that under the circumstances, if he were out of office, perhaps that may have communicated a certain level of seriousness. There is that school of thought,” he said.
“But it is also true that the nature of the mechanisms you deploy in an investigative process can actually spot any injurious interferences, even if the person being investigated is still in office.”
He added that the concerns raised by the public are legitimate but insisted they do not undermine the process.
“The fact that he is there, as much as it is a concern and a legitimate one that we welcome, does not in any way injure the process that is currently ongoing,” he said.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com