Prof Frimpong-Boateng’s allegations in his report on illegal mining empty – Attorney-General

The Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice claim that Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s claims in his report on unlawful mining activities in the nation are unfounded and lack the supporting documentation necessary to bring the named parties to justice.

It comes after the conclusion of its examination of a docket provided by the Police regarding the claims made in the 36-page report titled “Report on the Work of IMCIM So Far and the Way Forward” prepared by Prof. Frimpong Boateng.

Evelyn Keelson, the Chief State Attorney, signed the A-G’s advise, which was released on Tuesday, September 12, and delivered to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, September 14. The advice stated that it could not suggest bringing charges against any of the people mentioned in the report.

The Attorney General has consequently directed the police to release everyone listed excluding those who are still being looked into.

“The Attorney-General indicates that a careful study of the Report, the various documents and pen drives submitted to the Police did not disclose any evidence in support of the allegations made against the persons cited in the Report, with the exception of Seth Mantey, John Ofori Atta and Ekow Ewusi, in respect of whom the A-G instructs the Police to conclude their investigations and present a report to him.”

“The A-G’s advice, however, notes that even though the Police diary of action shows that John Ofori Atta was invited by the police, there is no indication that he was interviewed or that a statement was taken from him. There is also no statement from Mr Ekow Ewusi on the docket. The A-G instructed the Police to wind up investigations on that issue and furnish him with a report on same.”

When he was the environment minister, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the former chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), provided names of officials who thwarted his attempts to combat what is known locally as “galamsey.”

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Source: Ghanatodayonline.com