Omanghana
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has received a petition to investigate allegations of false illegal mining (galamsey) claims made against three Regional Ministers, following a public retraction by the individual who made the accusations.
The petition, filed by Daniel Sasu Omari with support from the pressure group Ashanti Democrats, is calling for a thorough and independent inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, address the reputational damage caused, and restore public confidence in the fight against illegal mining.
The petitioners argue that unverified accusations against public officials, particularly on widely accessed media platforms, have serious legal, political, and social consequences and must be subjected to proper investigation.
How the Allegations Emerged
The controversy began on November 18, 2025, when Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah, Head of Mobilization for the activist group Democracy Hub, appeared on Aluta FM (92.1 MHz) for a live broadcast.
During the program, Yeboah made claims alleging that three Regional Ministers were involved in illegal mining activities.
The officials named in the allegations were:
- Dr. Frank Amoakohene – Ashanti Regional Minister.
- Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey – Eastern Regional Minister.
- Joseph Nelson – Western Regional Minister.
The claims generated public attention due to the sensitive nature of illegal mining allegations and the ongoing national efforts to combat environmental destruction caused by galamsey activities.
Accuser Retracts Claims
Following public criticism and demands for evidence from various quarters, Yeboah withdrew the allegations later on the same day.
In an apology issued through social media, he admitted that the claims were untrue, unverified, and unsupported by evidence. He also clarified that the statements did not represent the official position of Democracy Hub.
The retraction came after concerns were raised over the potential damage that unsupported accusations could cause to the reputations of individuals and institutions involved in Ghana’s anti-illegal mining campaign.
CID Takes Action
Despite the withdrawal of the allegations, the CID proceeded with investigations based on the formal petition submitted by Daniel Sasu Omari.
Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah was subsequently arrested by the Police on allegations relating to the publication of false news and the spread of misleading information.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the broadcast, the basis of the claims made, and the potential impact of the allegations on the individuals named and the wider public interest.
Petitioners Highlight Impact on Anti-Galamsey Efforts
The petitioners argue that false or unsubstantiated accusations involving public officials could undermine Ghana’s national campaign against illegal mining.
They maintained that while accountability and transparency are essential in addressing galamsey, allegations must be supported by credible evidence to prevent misinformation and protect the integrity of legitimate investigations.
According to the group, allowing prominent individuals to make serious accusations and later withdraw them without accountability could weaken public trust in institutions responsible for enforcing environmental and mining laws.
Part of Wider Galamsey Accountability Debate
The CID investigation comes at a time when illegal mining remains a major national issue, with government agencies, security services, and the judiciary intensifying efforts to address environmental degradation and illegal mining networks.
The development also follows major judicial action involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who was sentenced by the Accra High Court to 20 years in prison over separate illegal mining-related offences involving Akonta Mining Company.
As Ghana continues its campaign against galamsey, authorities and stakeholders have emphasized the need for evidence-based investigations, accountability, and fairness in addressing allegations involving individuals, companies, and public officials.
Source: Omanghana
