I am not a galamsey operator-Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira DCE

Twifo Heman (C/R), Oct. 4, GNA- Mr. Joseph Foster Andoh, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira, has described as “malicious publication” allegations carried by some Accra dailies over his involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).

“I have never, and will never ever get involved in illegal mining because I have relentlessly waged war on these illegal miners especially, those on the Pra River”.

Speaking at a press conference at Twifo Heman to set records straight about the allegations against him, he demanded an unqualified apology from the media houses.

At the conference, the Chiefs and people of Twifo Heman Traditional Area confirmed Mr. Andoh's innocence.

He said as Chairman of the District Security Council (DISEC), he has since his assumption of office in May 2009, facilitated the destruction of boats belonging to galamsey operators, while some have been imprisoned and many more chased out under his leadership.

He said the report sought to portray him as having problems with Otumfo Amoa Sasraku II, Omanhene of Twifo Heman in relation with galamsey operations.

On allegations that he was chasing away legal miners, the DCE said they were untrue and that a mining firm contacted his office for a large tract of land and he referred the document to the Omanhene to decide on the sale or otherwise.

Otumfo Sasraku II said the allegations against the DCE were all false and that he was not at loggerheads with the DCE and demanded an unqualified apology from the media houses.

Nana Sasraku said Sabadel Mining Enterprise Limited applied for 232.89 square kilometres of land for mining but he summoned a Traditional Council meeting where the chiefs rejected the application on grounds that it will degrade their land and destroy their crops.

GNA