The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency, Mr Davis Opoku has advised local assemblies to use new media to promote participatory democracy to ensure transparent and accountable governance.
In his maiden meeting with the Municipal Chief Executive and staff of Kwahu South Municipal Assembly, the young and affable legislature urged assemblies in Ghana to adopt technology in the discharge of their duties. He said, “assemblies must open up to participatory democracy by using new media. We need to start streaming assembly meetings on our Facebook pages so our people can contribute to the democratic practice at the local level.”
“In ensuring accountability, we owe it a duty to get our constituents informed in everything we do. This will ensure that they can hold us to our plans and programs in the municipal,” he added.
Aide to late Chief Executive Officer for the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu has strongly dismissed claims that he is involved in illegal mining, also known as ‘Galamsey’ despite directives from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that the operation must stop.
He was emphatic in a statement copied to Peacefmonline.com that “
I have never engaged in any galamsey activity neither will I ever be part of such illegality.”
A report by Multimedia claimed Charles Owusu embroiled in illegal mining activities ongoing in the Taabosere enclave in the Western Region.
Multimedia’s Erastus Asare Donkor claimed Charles Owusu was heard asking the task force in charge of clamping down on illegal mining to leave the concession said to belong to a company called, Kingsperp.
A reputable licensed mining firm, Kingsperp Mining Limited has made available documents signed by relevant government appointees to rubbished claims that it is engaged in illegal mining, also known as ‘Galamsey’.
The firm was given authorization by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for “Prospecting for gold” in a concession area in Oda River Forest reserve near Aboaboso in Bekwai Forest District in the Ashanti Region.
The clarification follows a report by Multimedia which claims Kingsperp Mining Limited is engaging in active illegal mining despite a nationwide campaign by the Nana Addo-led government to curb the operation.
Multimedia’s Erastus Asare Donkor was part of a media task force in charge of clamping down on illegal miners.