The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has concluded that the allegations made by Prof Frimpong-Boateng in his report on illegal mining activities lack evidence to prosecute the individuals named.
After reviewing the docket submitted by the Police regarding the allegations in Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s 36-page document titled “Report on the work of IMCIM so far and the way forward,” the Attorney-General’s advice, signed by Chief State Attorney Evelyn Keelson, stated that no recommendations for prosecution could be made based on the report.
The Attorney-General has requested the police to discharge the individuals mentioned in the report, except for those who are still under investigation. The advice stated that a thorough examination of the report, accompanying documents, and pen drives did not reveal any evidence supporting the allegations against the individuals cited, except for Seth Mantey, John Ofori Atta, and Ekow Ewusi, for whom the Attorney-General instructed the police to conclude their investigations and provide a report.
However, the advice also highlighted shortcomings in the police’s actions related to the case. It was noted that although the police’s diary of action showed that John Ofori Atta was invited, there was no indication of an interview or a statement taken from him.
Additionally, there was no statement from Mr. Ekow Ewusi in the docket. The Attorney-General instructed the police to wrap up the investigations on this matter and furnish a report accordingly.
In his report, Prof Frimpong- Boateng, the former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), named individuals in the government whom he claimed hindered his efforts to combat illegal mining, known as “galamsey,” during his tenure as Environment Minister. He alleged that some party officials, from the national to the unit committee level, were involved in illegal mining and had connections with Chinese workers. He also accused a former NPP MP in the Ashanti Region of selling illegally acquired concessions.
It is worth noting that some of the individuals mentioned in the report have denied the allegations made against them. Following his interrogation by the police, a report was sent to the Attorney-General for further guidance on the matter. The Attorney- General’s conclusion raises questions about the evidence presented in Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s report and the potential impact on efforts to address illegal mining in the country.
