The Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Sam Pyne, has dismissed allegations of his involvement in illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.
Mr Pyne has admitted owing a concession but has vehemently denied any galamsey operations.
An investigation by The Fourth Estate into a worrying scramble for mining concessions in forest reserves indicated Mr Pyne’s company was involved in a business that threatened the existence of a forest reserve.
The investigation alleged that Mr Pyne’s company applied for a lease to mine for gold in the Oda River Forest Reserve, located in the Ashanti Region.
It was also established that records at the Minerals Commission show that the company, Sam & Gyan Limited, applied for the mining license in February 2023.
But speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, the former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Secretary asserted that, the reportage was borne out of hatred.
According to him, he applied for a lease in 2018.
However, after almost six years, he is yet to receive the necessary documentation that would give him the greenlight to start work.
“As anyone heard that I have been involved in galamsey? Yes, I have a concession; I’m a Ghanaian.
“I have the list of NDC members involved in galamsey at my fingertips and I will mention the names if anyone dares me,” he stated.
Listen to Mr Pyne in the audio above:
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