We are investigating Frimpong-Boateng’s galamsey report – Special Prosecutor

The Office of the Special Prosecutor says it has launched an investigation into the report on illegal mining by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.

In a press release signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, on May 2, 2023, his office has already started investigating the matters raised in the report.

This follows several calls for action by the public and civil society after the publication of the 37-page report.

Prof Boateng captured government officials who frustrated his effort to fight what is locally called ‘galamsey’ when he was Environment Minister and Chairman of the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

It also included an allegation that a garden in President Akufo-Addo’s Kyebi home was also affected by illegal mining.

Professor Boateng explained that his work was hampered, which took the minister’s intervention to a halt.

Referring to an October 2022 press release, which announced the Office’s initial steps to probe suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in the illegal mining sector,  the Special Prosecutor welcomed the calls.

He added that “Its investigation is ongoing and far-reaching, and it also covers the matters raised in the report published by the head of the dissolved IMCIM”.

“The OSP will take necessary action against all persons deemed culpable of corruption and corruption-related offences in the mining sector,” he assured.

Below is the press release from the Office of the Special Prosecutor