Minority Demands Probe into Birim Central MCE’s Alleged Galamsey Extortion Scandal
The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib- Weija Gbawe MP, Alexander Akwasi Acquah- Akim Oda MP, held a press conference on Tuesday to demand immediate investigation into allegations that the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Kusi Brako, is extorting illegal miners in Akyem Oda, undermining the government’s anti-galamsey efforts.
The MPs accused Brako of imposing and collecting fines from galamsey operators only to release them to resume destruction, labeling it a “scandal that directly contradicts President Mahama’s directive to halt illegal mining.” Jerry stated, “The MCE’s admission of fining miners and letting them go is a betrayal of our rivers and forests—action must be taken now.”
Brako, appointed in February 2025, denied the claims in an October 23 response, asserting his administration has seized excavators and Changfans at Birim River sites and urging verification before accusations. “We are committed to responsible mining,” he said, citing multiple crackdowns.
The presser follows an August 2025 audio leak of Brako allegedly negotiating “fines” for miners, prompting the Minority’s call for presidential intervention and the OSP’s involvement. “This is not just corruption—it’s environmental sabotage,” Acquah added.
The Birim Central Municipality, rich in gold but ravaged by galamsey—destroying 60% of local forests since 2020—has seen 15% of national illegal sites, per Minerals Commission data. The NDC government, behind a GH¢500 million reclamation fund, faces scrutiny with 278 licenses revoked in August.
