The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Atewa East Constituency has called on the Interior Ministry, the Inspector General of Police, and the Bureau of National Intelligence to investigate individuals and groups it claims are undermining government efforts to combat illegal mining in the district.

According to the party, significant progress made by the District Chief Executive, Ernest Owusu Ntim, in reclaiming nearly 90% of previously uncovered mining pits is being threatened by alleged acts of sabotage.

The NDC said the reclaimed pits had posed serious dangers to residents, describing them as death traps for unsuspecting community members.

The party accused one Daniel Ansah, also known as Abeiku and identified as a nephew of the Akyem Ankaase Chief, of leading efforts to discredit the DCE. They described as “malicious falsehood” claims linking the DCE to illegal mining, insisting that the allegations are aimed at frustrating his crackdown on galamsey in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s anti-illegal mining agenda.

Addressing a press conference at Anyinam on Wednesday, February 25, the Atewa East Constituency Youth Organiser of the NDC, Kyei Baffour, urged security agencies to take immediate action against what he described as acts of intimidation and lawlessness.

“Reports from affected communities indicate that over the years, Abeiku and his cohort have forcefully taken over lands, brutalised victims, instilled fear among residents, and unlawfully claimed lands belonging to hardworking peasant farmers who have no one to turn to. Since he assumed office as DCE, Honourable Ntim has done his very best to wipe out these illegalities,” he stated.