I, Ernest Frimpong, Parliamentary Candidate (PC) for the NPP in Amenfi East, would like to address recent misinformation regarding statements attributed to the Western Regional Minister and my good self during an engagement with artisanal small-scale miners at Amenfi.There have been allegations claiming that the “Western Regional Minister and Amenfi East Parliamentary Candidate endorse illegal mining,” and I want to correct this inaccurate representation.

It is important to clarify that the Western Regional Minister did not support illegal mining activities in any form. Throughout the engagement, he emphasized the importance of responsible mining practices and explicitly warned against mining in prohibited areas such as forest reserves, rivers, and other people’s concessions. He urged miners to comply with the legal framework by obtaining the necessary permits and licenses through the district authorities, emphasizing the significance of adhering to the regulatory framework. Similarly, during the engagement, I, the NPP PC for Amenfi East, stressed the importance of responsible mining practices and urged miners to report any instances of extortion and harassment by unauthorized individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers, especially corrupt policemen and soldiers. I emphasized the necessity of adherence to the laws governing small-scale mining in Ghana and assured the miners of their protection under these laws when engaging in responsible mining practices, and that, I was prepared to defend them anywhere and anytime they get harassed.

I urge the public to disregard the short video in circulation which was taken out of the over 2 hours engagement in their attempt to deceive the public. Again, I urge the public to disregard any misrepresentation of the statements made by some individuals and some journalists on the Western Regional Minister or myself.

I’m reliably informed that the incompetent NDC MP in Amenfi East, Hon. Nicholas Amankwah is behind this video in circulation to deliberately cause the wrath of the Military and Police on the Miners. My message to him is that his anti-mining schemes against the hardworking young men and women in the mining industry in Amenfi East will be exposed in the coming days.

In humility I urge all miners to remain calm and continue to work according to the practices of responsible mining as we preached during my engagement with them. I shall continue to champion the interest of every constituent in every corner of our local economy any day any time and within the legal and appropriate means.

Our sincere hope is that all stakeholders will act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation for political gain.

Ernest Frimpong

NPP Parliamentary Candidate, Amenfi East.