Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Aquah, has commended the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birem Central Municipality, Solomon Brako, for acknowledging the prevalence of illegal mining (galamsey) in Akyem Oda and pledging to tackle the issue.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, he noted that the MCE’s confirmation of galamsey in Akyem Oda has dispelled claims that the issue does not exist, and he is pleased that the truth is finally out.
“People have argued with me that there is no galamsey issue in Akyem Oda but the MCE himself has confirmed that this activity is ongoing in Oda, and we thank him for promising to eradicate it,” he said.
He alleged that the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has coincided with a surge in galamsey activities, citing the situation in Akyem Oda as compelling evidence.
“I always say that ever since our colleagues in the NDC came into power, the issues of galamsey have become rampant, and I am saying this based on the fact in Akyem Oda; I know it is his own people who are involved in it, and so if he can help eradicate it, then it will benefit us all as a nation,” he stated.
Mr. Aquah expressed astonishment at the widespread illegal mining along the Oda Senior High School (ODASCO) road, where individuals seem to operate with impunity, openly engaging in these activities.
“The ODASCO and Birem stretch is plagued with galamsey activities, and it is very surprising. It has never happened for law and order to be broken down to this extent, with people openly involved in galamsey without hiding themselves.
However, we thank the MCE for promising to connect with the government to combat this issue,” he re-emphasised.
