The Member of Parliament for Mpohor Constituency, Hon. Kofi Bentil, has denied any knowledge of ongoing illegal mining activities at Mpohor Fiase, following reports alleging that illegal miners were operating close to the community’s police station.
Responding to the allegations, the MP maintained that the mining pits cited in the reports were excavated several years ago, long before the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration took office with H.E John Dramani Mahama as the president and Kofi Bentil as the MP for the people of Mpohor Fiase.
According to him, attempts to link him and the government to the alleged activities are politically motivated.
“Those pits were dug years ago before this government came into office. Some known NPP faithfuls are now trying to create the impression that this government and I are behind the illegal mining activities. That is simply not true,” he said.
Hon. Bentil disclosed that security agencies have stepped up efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal mining operations, assuring residents that anyone found culpable would face the full rigours of the law.
He also challenged anyone with evidence linking him to illegal mining to make it public.
“If anyone can prove that I am engaged in illegal mining, I will vacate my seat as the Member of Parliament,” he stated.
Meanwhile, checks by Almighty News have confirmed that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 19 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining at Mpohor Fiase on Thursday afternoon.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are yet to announce when they will be arraigned before court.
