The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the decision not to sanction Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) implicated in the collection of levies from illegal mining (galamsey) operators.
His comments follow investigations into the JoyNews “Tax for Galamsey” exposé, which uncovered how some district assemblies were charging operators of changfan machines used in illegal mining.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, March 31, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the practice was not the result of individual wrongdoing but rather an entrenched institutional arrangement.
“When the matter broke, and investigations were launched, it was found that these were not actions of individuals, but rather institutional arrangements which were flawed,” he said.
According to him, the system predates the current administration, with several assemblies incorporating such levies into their revenue mobilisation efforts over the years. As a result, the funds collected formed part of official government revenue.
He stressed that the arrangement, although flawed, did not amount to personal misconduct by the affected MMDCEs, making it unfair to single out individuals for punishment.
“In that sense, singling out one MCE for punishment would be unfair because he was not collecting the money for personal gain but implementing what can be described as a flawed policy,” he stated.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu indicated that government’s response has been to immediately halt the practice, rather than pursue sanctions against officials who operated within the existing system.
He warned, however, that any MMDCE or assembly that continues to collect such levies following the directive would face legal consequences.
“Going forward, no MMDCE is permitted to collect these monies. If anyone does so, then there will be a basis for criminal action,” he added.
The Minister emphasised that ending the practice is critical to strengthening the government’s fight against illegal mining, noting that the directive aligns with broader efforts to curb galamsey activities across the country.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com