Magoo blasts Martin Amidu over refusal to probe galamsey corruption

Former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Suhum, Margaret Ansei Magoo, has heavily criticised Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, for failing to investigate appointees of the Akufo-Addo administration and some executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their alleged involvement in illegal mining also known as galamsey.

Martin Amidu, a former Attorney General under the late Prof. J.E.A Mills, has declined a petition by the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) to investigate the alleged thievery and corruption hindering the fight against galamsey.

This comes after ASEPA, having invoked Act 959 of the Special Prosecutor Act, indicated that an audiotape circulating on social media purported to be a conversation between Environment Minister, Professor Frimpong Boateng and the Central Regional Vice-Chairman of the NPP, Ekow Ewusi, was enough evidence of corrupt acts hindering the fight against the canker that has heavily polluted river bodies in the middle and southern belt.

In his response, Mr Amidu directed ASEPA to the criminal Investigative Department to handle such allegations.

“A review of your letter of complaint, however, has led this office to the conclusion that the facts and conjectures upon which you underpin your complaints do not raise any issues of corruption and corruption-related offences as narrowly defined under section 79 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) to warrant an investigation by this office” the statement signed by Mr Amidu read.

But speaking on Inside Politics on Power 97.9 FM, Madam Ansei, who described the Special Prosecutor as being manipulated by “corrupt hands” in the Akufo-Addo government, bashed him for doing his country a great disservice.

“In the leaked tape, Professor Frimpong Boateng Boateng is heard saying the NPP needs money to run its affairs so they have to be engaging in galamsey to fund the party. That is the evidence ASEPA presented yet this Martin Amidu claims he does not see any act of corruption in the galamsey fight. And he had to direct them to CID. What should they go there for? This is shameful,” she added.

She wondered why Mr Amidu would be selective in pursuing matters when the corruption in the fight against galamsey is conspicuous across the country especially when names have been mentioned in connection with the disappearance of some 500 excavators and other equipment seized from illegal miners.