Information reaching MyNewsgh indicates that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has relieved the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie South in the Ashanti Region, William Asante Bediako of his position.
A source close to the presidency reveals to us that the President is “upset and embarrassed” over his appointee’s audacious endorsement of ‘galamsey’ activities in his district despite his government’s strenuous efforts at abolishing illegal mining in the country.
The decision by the President, according to our source was taken after deliberations with some members of his cabinet, including the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh after a video in which the DCE was captured endorsing ‘galamsey’ and encouraging others to engage in same went viral; the Manhyia Palace also okayed the President’s decision, he said.
It is expected that, the official communication of his sacking would be announced publicly by close of the week, but Mr. Asante Bediako could receive his dismissal letter today.
Meanwhile, in the video available to MyNewsgh.com and attached to this story, the DCE who was addressing a function at Manso Tontokrom is seen saying that, “Why would I not support ‘galamsey’? Had it not been ‘galamsey’, we would not have had a storey building at Manso; had it not been ‘galamsey’ and hardworking nature of the people of Manso, a young person from Manso would not have been able to purchase a car worth one billion Cedis”; in clear contradiction to the pledge by the President to defeat the ‘galamsey’ menace even if it would cost him the presidency.
Below is the full video.
