SUHUM, E/R- Nicetvnews Report — The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region has warned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against what it describes as an attempt to drag the Member of Parliament for the area, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, into the ongoing illegal mining, or galamsey, controversy at Essaase and Krobomu.
The NPP says the NDC, in a recent press statement, alleged that Mr. Asiedu Bekoe was behind the illegal mining activities in the constituency, which the party claims began around 2024.
Addressing a press conference, Suhum NPP Constituency Chairman Charles Nana Gyasi rejected the allegations and accused the NDC of attempting to divert attention from the galamsey situation in the area.
He urged the NDC to focus on addressing the illegal mining activities rather than implicating the MP, insisting that neither Mr. Asiedu Bekoe nor the NPP has any involvement in the activities.
According to Mr. Gyasi, illegal mining is currently being carried out in parts of the constituency with impunity, resulting in the destruction of farmlands and the pollution of the Densu River.
He claimed that the river has remained polluted for the past two years, with residents allegedly suffering various health problems linked to the use of contaminated water.
The NPP chairman further said residents of Essaase and surrounding communities are struggling to access potable water because the Densu River, which has served as a major source of water for household activities, is no longer safe for use.
Mr. Gyasi also called on anyone involved in illegal mining activities in the area to desist, reiterating that the NPP and the Member of Parliament have no connection to the situation.
Boundary Dispute
On the issue of the boundaries of the affected communities, Mr. Gyasi said there was some ambiguity regarding the municipal boundaries.
He, however, maintained that the communities at the centre of the recent galamsey controversy fall within the Suhum Municipality and insisted that the Abuakwa South Municipality had never contested this position.
He consequently rejected claims by the Municipal Chief Executive that the affected communities fall under the Abuakwa South Municipality, describing the assertion as inaccurate.
The Suhum NPP Constituency Chairman has meanwhile appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and order an investigation into the matter to establish the facts surrounding the illegal mining activities and the boundary claims since the people of Suhum are not in galamsey.
