Special Prosecutor declines to investigate ‘galamsey’ corruption allegations

The Office of Special Prosecutor has declined to investigate allegations of corruption in the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly referred to as ‘galamsey’.

In a letter addressed the petitioners, Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Martin Amidu explained there were no issues of corruption raised in the petition which he said contained “conjectures.”

ASEPA petition the Office of Special Prosecutor on February 18, 2020, calling for “investigations into the alleged thievery and corruption that has bedevilled the national fight against illegal mining.”

Probe corruption in ‘galamsey’ fight – ASEPA petitions Amidu

The CSO described the alleged acts as “stealing, bribery, corruption, abuse of public office for private gain”, which the state has empowered the Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu to probe and bring the culprits to book.

But rejecting the call to investigate, Martin Amidu also explained the police were already investigating similar allegations of corruption in the fight against illegal mining hence it would be an imprudent use of public resources to do same.

Amidu has been opposed to two  state institutions investigating the same matter. In July 2019, he complained about the Police CID’s investigations into allegations of corruption leveled against a presidential staffer involved in the galamsey fight, Charles Bissue.

Amidu cast doubt on the Police CID’s ability to do an independent work devoid of political considerations.

He had argued that his Office was already investigating Charles Bissue who was secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee against Illegal Mining.

Mr. Bissue had allegedly taken money to circumvent the laws and help a private firm to engage in small scale mining despite a government ban.

Eventually, the Police CID cleared Charles Bissue of the allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

Mr. Amidu is yet to complete his investigations on Charles Bissue. He has been criticised for slow pace of work.

Several seized ‘galamsey’ excavators missing – Minister reveals

In the latest call for investigations into illegal mining, Martin Amidu has deferred to the Police CID.

The police are investigating the disappearance of excavators as claimed by Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng who heads the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.