Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has warned the public against abusing freedom of speech to defame individuals, emphasizing that unsubstantiated claims can tarnish reputations and undermine national efforts.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Dr. Amoakohene addressed recent allegations by Windell Yeboah on Aluta FM, accusing regional ministers in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regions of involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).
He described the claims as baseless and harmful, stressing that the government remains committed to combating illegal mining and would not tolerate wrongdoing by its officials.
“Anyone who believes my past statements are defamatory or criminal can petition the court. There are laws in this country,” he stated.
Dr. Amoakohene added that the allegations against him and his fellow ministers constitute defamation, prompting him to instruct his lawyers to demand evidence from the accuser.
Although an apology letter was later issued, it did not address the specific claims, leading to the matter being escalated.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has taken statements from the ministers involved, while the accuser was arrested for allegedly failing to honour an invitation.
Dr. Amoakohene expressed confidence in the investigative process and called for the findings to be made public. “If they had any evidence, they would have petitioned for my resignation. This is not just about being a minister; defamation is defamation,” he said.
He affirmed that the ministers are prepared to cooperate fully with the police as investigations continue.
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