Appiah Stadium, born Frank Kwaku Appiah, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist, has alleged that a majority of President John Dramani Mahama’s appointees, particularly Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), could end up in jail if the party loses power.
According to the outspoken NDC supporter, several government appointees are allegedly involved in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
He alleged that Mahama appointees are either engaged in galamsey, secretly financing operations or directly running illegal mining sites.
Appiah Stadium made the claims during an interview on Ezra FM/TV, warning that the alleged involvement of government officials in galamsey could have serious consequences for them if a new administration takes over.
He indicated that some of the appointees and MMDCEs could face prosecution and imprisonment if their alleged activities are uncovered and they are held accountable.
Appiah Stadium further argued that the alleged involvement of government officials in galamsey is undermining President Mahama’s efforts to combat galamsey and address its devastating impact on the environment.
“Most of Mahama’s appointees and MMDCEs are involved in galamsey and could face jail if power changes hands!” he stated.
Appiah Stadium, beyond the allegations of illegal mining, also discussed internal tensions within the governing party, claiming that some of President Mahama’s appointees dislike him because of his close relationship with the President.
He disclosed that he has more enemies within the NDC than in the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Appiah Stadium disclosed that his relationship with certain party members has become strained.
He further criticised Samuel Nartey George, the Communications Minister and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, describing both politicians as arrogant.
In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that his government has achieved some successes in the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.
Mahama disclosed that 135 excavators and nearly 200 firearms have been seized as part of efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to John Mahama, over 8,200 items, including changfan machines, excavators and other equipment used in illegal mining, had also been seized.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, President Mahama stated, “We have achieved some successes in the fight against illegal mining. We have confiscated more than 8,200 items. This includes changfan machines, excavators and other equipment used in illegal mining”.
“We’ve confiscated 135 excavators that were being used in illegal mining, and we have retrieved almost 200 firearms that the people involved in illegal mining had,” he added.
President Mahama further revealed that illegal miners had encroached on 48 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, with some areas designated as red zones.
He stated, “I’m happy to note that of those nine red zones, we have cleared all of them of illegal miners and are currently preparing those forest reserves for reclamation”.
Mahama disclosed that illegal mining had destroyed approximately 12,000 acres of land across the country, revealing that efforts are underway to reclaim degraded areas.
He further praised the GoldBod for awarding the Ghana Armed Forces a contract to reclaim 253 acres of land destroyed by galamseyers in the Tano Nimri Forest.
