The Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, has called for decisive action against the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Amansie Central, insisting that the official be dismissed and prosecuted to serve as a warning to others.
Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Monday, February 9, while discussing the investigative piece titled “A Tax for Galamsey: The Extortion Racket Fuelling Illegal Mining,” Mr Darko emphasised the need for accountability, stating, “This is a call the minority will wholeheartedly support not just the dismissal but also prosecution. We need to set a very good example and deter people.”
He explained that the purpose of punishment under criminal law is to prevent others from engaging in similar wrongdoing.
“The purpose of punishment under criminal jurisprudence is to deter people, at least one of them, apart from defamation,” Mr Darko said.
He also stressed that the move would send a strong signal to other government officials.
“So I think that we should use this person to set an example to other DCEs and government officials who will even dream of engaging in this blatant destruction of our natural resources. So obviously, we will support that and not just dismissal; prosecute such people. Beyond the dismissal, the government has to be proactive,” he added.
A Tax for Galamsey exposes how illegal mining in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region is no longer merely tolerated but systematically taxed, receipted, and protected by government appointees.
Through undercover reporting, secret recordings, documentary evidence, and on-the-ground infiltration, the investigation reveals an alleged extortion network involving the District Assembly and a task force operating under the authority of the District Chief Executive.
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