- Dr. Frank Amoakohene cautions the public against spreading unverified accusations
- Dismisses claims linking regional ministers to illegal mining as baseless
- Minister calls for transparency and public release of investigation findings
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has cautioned the public against misusing freedom of speech to spread false allegations, noting that unfounded claims can damage reputations and hinder national progress.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Amoakohene responded to accusations made by Windell Yeboah on Aluta FM, who alleged that regional ministers in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regions were involved in illegal mining (galamsey).
He dismissed the allegations as baseless and harmful, reaffirming government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and its refusal to shield any official engaged in wrongdoing.
“Anyone who believes my previous remarks are defamatory or criminal can go to court. We have laws in this country,” he said.
Dr. Amoakohene further stated that the accusations against him and the other ministers amount to defamation, leading him to instruct his lawyers to request evidence from the accuser.
Although an apology letter was later released, it failed to address the specific allegations, prompting the matter to be pursued further.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has since taken statements from the ministers, while the accuser was arrested for allegedly failing to respond to an official invitation.
Expressing confidence in the investigative process, Dr. Amoakohene called for the final outcome to be made public. “If any evidence existed, they would have petitioned for my resignation. This is bigger than the ministerial position—defamation is defamation,” he stressed.
He added that the ministers are ready to fully cooperate with the police as the investigation continues.
