STEVE MANTEAW URGES PROBE INTO AKYEM ODA MP’S GALAMSEY ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MCE

Policy analyst and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, *Dr. Emmanuel Steve Asare Manteaw*, is calling on government to launch a formal investigation into claims of illegal mining leveled against the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive, *Solomon Brako Kusi*.

Dr. Manteaw says the allegations, made by *Akyem Oda MP Alexander Akwasi Acquah*, should be subjected to a transparent probe instead of being settled through traditional means.

His comments come after the MCE performed traditional rites at the River Birem in Akyem Oda on Friday, July 31, 2026. Mr. Brako Kusi poured libation and sacrificed a ram, invoking the river deity to punish anyone making false claims against him.

The MCE accused the MP of repeatedly alleging on radio and TV that he is involved in galamsey. He described the claims as false, malicious and politically motivated, aimed at damaging his reputation and pushing for his removal by President John Dramani Mahama.

But Dr. Manteaw says the matter must not be swept under the carpet.

*“It’s unfortunate to take things this far. I know Hon. Akwasi Acquah very well. He harbours no malice against the MCE. He has personally shared evidence of his allegations with me. I’m surprised they have not been accorded the needed attention,”* Dr. Manteaw stated on social media.

He urged government to show real commitment in the fight against illegal mining by investigating the claims and making the findings public.

*“I urge government to demonstrate commitment to the fight against galamsey by investigating these allegations and making the findings public,”* he added.

According to Dr. Manteaw, a credible and open investigation will boost public trust in the anti-galamsey campaign and prove that no official is above accountability.

The controversy has sparked debate among governance experts and civil society, especially as galamsey continues to degrade rivers, forests and farmlands across the country, including the River Birem.

Dr. Manteaw’s intervention is likely to increase pressure on authorities to address the allegations directly and communicate outcomes to the public.