The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin, Stephen Morcher, has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video suggesting he endorses illegal mining activities and ordered the release of seized equipment to galamsey operators.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Morcher described the allegations as misleading and politically motivated, insisting he has never supported illegal mining in the municipality.
“The whole video is funny because it alleges that I’m embezzling galamsey funds and supporting it,” he said, responding to claims made by Maxwell Quaicoe, a deputy coordinator with NADMO.
Mr. Morcher explained that Mr. Quaicoe had formed what he called a private task force without official authorisation. The group reportedly included two military officers and individuals he described as unrecognised “water guards” who had not yet been formally handed over to the district assembly.
He further alleged that the team included persons linked to Oscar Ofori Larbi, the Member of Parliament for the area, Clement Ohene Asare, and Abdallah Rufus Dadzie, using the MP’s vehicle during operations. “These two are the MP’s guys and they are using the MP’s vehicle, so you can see where this may be coming from,” Mr. Morcher said.
According to the MCE, he first became aware of the anti-galamsey operation on January 6 after receiving a call, which he initially thought was from a recognised security unit. He even encouraged the team to work without interference. However, he later discovered that the group was not officially sanctioned.
“Two hours later I was told the identity of the taskforce. I learnt they were extorting money, so I called the District Commander and asked him to deploy his men to the scene to arrest or stop them,” he explained.
Mr. Morcher said the police indicated they did not have enough personnel at the time, prompting the assembly to rely on military officers periodically deployed to protect the municipality’s borders. Because the officers were unfamiliar with the terrain, he instructed his driver and personal assistant to guide them using his official Toyota Hilux.
“They went to meet them and were arrested, and then they started shouting that I am endorsing galamsey,” he added.
The MCE said he has since submitted formal reports to both the Regional Minister and the Ghana Police Service, questioning who authorised the task force’s activities. “I don’t know who authorised him because his bosses have said they did not sanction the operation. They have queried him and he is at risk of suspension,” Mr. Morcher disclosed.
He also revealed that the two military officers involved were allegedly part of a private security arrangement protecting a large-scale mining company, Clean Jobs Mining, and not a state-led operation. According to him, the company has since apologised and promised disciplinary action against the officers, including the possibility of withdrawing their services.
“They have officially come to apologise and, if possible, withdraw their services,” he said.
Mr. Morcher further announced that the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has invited all parties for a meeting to resolve the matter. “The Ashanti Regional Minister has invited us, and on Friday we will go and meet him,” he confirmed.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting illegal mining in Aowin and warned against unauthorised operations that exploit the galamsey fight for personal gain. “Our focus is to protect the land and the people, not to allow individuals to hide behind task forces to extort money,” he stressed.
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