A leading member of the Movement for Change, Hopeson Adorye, has shockingly exposed a big man’s attempt to offer him a concession for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Although he did not disclose any names, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) member revealed that the process was already far advanced, and he could have secured the concession simply by showing up.
But Mr. Adorye, speaking on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, emphasised that he was unwilling to go through with it.
However, he has no regrets about his decision, as it has empowered him to speak his mind freely on national issues and walk without fear.
“Nobody has anything against me. At a point, a big man requested that I’m given a concession for galamsey and even engaged the DCE and other people but I never stepped foot there,” he said.
He also mentioned that his first visit to a galamsey site was not long ago, noting that it belonged to a friend in the Eastern Region.
Mr. Adorye shared this while reacting to Akonta Mining Company Limited’s defamation suit against the Minerals Commission and Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
In a writ filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, Akonta Mining claims that Minister Buah defamed the company during a press conference on April 22, accusing it of orchestrating illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The company is therefore, demanding GH₵20 million in damages over allegations of illegal mining and corruption in protected forest reserves.
But Mr. Adorye has cautioned the company to tread cautiously.
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