The leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Prestea-Huni-Valley Constituency of the Western Region has dismissed allegations linking their Member of Parliament, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, to illegal small-scale mining activities in the area.

At a press conference held by the party’s Executive Committee in Tarkwa, the Deputy Communications Officer for the Constituency, Mohammed Awal, described the claims as baseless fabrications by New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters.

He said the narrative that the MP is a “galamsey kingpin” who deployed thugs to forcibly take over the Apinto community mining site is politically motivated.

“The article in question paints a misleading picture, alleging that Honourable Cudjoe, alongside a National Security operative, facilitated an illegal takeover of the Apinto mining site to the benefit of so-called NDC affiliates and enabled illicit activities.

Let me be unequivocal. These claims are not only false but a deliberate attempt to tarnish the impressive, impeccable reputation of a dedicated public servant.

As the MP for Prestea-Huni Valley, Honourable Cudjoe has consistently championed the interests of his constituents, prioritised lawful and community-driven mining practices over partisan exploitation.”

Mr. Awal further accused the NPP of orchestrating the takeover of mining sites after its 2016 electoral victory.

“Let us provide the true context. It is on record that after the NPP 2016 election victory, RMG Mining Limited, in collusion with the NPP Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency Chairman, Abiam Danso, orchestrated the forceful takeover of multiple underground mining sites from Aboso to Apinto. These sites had been legally operated by their original owners since 2010.

However, because these owners were not NPP sympathisers, they were systematically displaced in a scheme masterminded by a former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to favour Yussif Bukari and one David Agyemfi Mensah, RMG managing directors, and a known NPP financier. This was not a business transaction; it was a politically motivated seizure.”