Western Regional Minister, Hon Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has revealed the faces behind the reports that went viral, that his driver had bolted away with his GH¢ 17 million proceeds from galamsey activities.

Reacting to the issue in an interview today November 17, Hon Darko stated that those who made the allegations were members of his own political party, the New Patriotic Party. He noted that these NPP people’s mission is to distract him from clamping down on illegal miners in the Western Region and also destroy his reputation.

The news which gained much attention on social media and other media outlets was told of a Minister who had collapsed, as a result of an alleged theft. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah was said to be that Minister and he came under public criticism for allegedly engaging in galamsey, which is a menace to the country.

“This is not the first time, they have been doing this and I want to tell you some of the people who are doing this. In fact, those who did this were NPP people.”
Hon Darko

According to the Minister, his critics have accused him of so many things including saying, “he has bought all the houses in Takoradi.”

ghana galamsey 1 — A galamsey site in the Western Region

Denying claims that he is involved in galamsey and reports of his driver running away with his galamsey money, the Minister, emphasized that,“it’s all propaganda. I’m even wondering how people imagined it and how people even believed it. The driver never took or stole my money.”

I Have Not Forgiven EIB Network

Hon Kwabena Okyere Darko further stated that he has not forgiven the EIB Network for spreading the allegations, as they were the first media outlet to break the news.

According to him, he was in his office when his Regional Chairman, Hon Joe Wise, called to tell him about the circulation of an innuendo with his picture.

“I was wondering how a media house we assume to be big like EIB, listen to this tape and still do these innuendos with my name. It’s not fair. That is what worries me.

“Media people are supposed to be the gatekeepers in this country, so when you are doing something, you have to think about it before you do. So, when they did that, I asked myself how can they do this?”
Hon Darko

The Minister advised Ghanaians to disregard the fake news saying, “I want to let Ghanaians know that those things that they said about me are all false.”

“I won’t forgive them (EIB Network) because if we don’t stop them from doing it now, they will continue to distract governance in this country. We won’t allow it.”
Hon Darko