The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South in the Ashanti Region, Wisdom Osei Boamah, popularly known as Okumkom, has strongly denied allegations linking him to illegal mining (galamsey) activities in Adankwame, a community within the municipality.
Recent reports circulating on traditional and social media claimed that Mr. Osei Boamah was actively involved in galamsey operations. The reports further alleged that the MCE deployed state-owned DRIP machines—intended for road and agricultural projects—for illegal mining activities.
According to the allegations, reportedly made by individuals said to be NDC branch executives in the municipality, the MCE was directly involved in illegal mining.
Responding to the claims, Mr. Boamah described them as baseless fabrications aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He expressed shock that such accusations were circulating without any factual basis or proper investigation.
He clarified that the Assembly’s only engagement related to mining involved a private company, Tripple Rocks, which hired a water tanker from the Assembly.
He explained that Tripple Rocks used the tanker to water a dusty road in the community as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, not for any mining-related operations. The MCE emphasised that a water tanker has no functional use in mining and therefore could not have been deployed for galamsey as alleged.
Mr. Boamah also stressed that his office remains committed to enforcing government directives aimed at protecting natural resources, particularly forests and water bodies. He referenced directives from President Mahama, under whose appointment he serves, noting that he has always adhered strictly to national efforts against illegal mining.
“Why would I turn against the same President who entrusted this responsibility to me?” he questioned, insisting that his allegiance to national policy remains firm.
Mr. Boamah urged the public to disregard the allegations, which he believes are designed to destroy his reputation and distract from the Assembly’s development agenda. He further called on residents, civil society groups, and political actors to support the Assembly’s efforts to safeguard the environment rather than spreading misinformation that undermines the fight against illegal mining.
