North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has strongly contested claims by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which dismissed allegations linking President Akufo-Addo’s daughters to illegal mining activities, known as galamsey.

In a detailed statement, Mr. Ablakwa provided evidence he says contradicts the Ministry's position, accusing the government of shielding politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining.

Mr. Ablakwa challenged the Ministry's assertion that Elite Minerals Ghana Limited, a company alleged to have ties with the President’s daughters, was incorporated in 2008. He countered this, stating, "Incorporation documents secured from the Office of the Registrar of Companies confirm that Elite Minerals Ghana Limited was originally incorporated on 22nd April 2014. An incontrovertible copy is attached."

He also disputed the Ministry’s claim that Elite Minerals had a mining licence dating back to 2012, pointing out that the company did not exist at the time.

“The Lands Ministry’s assertion that the licence of Elite Minerals dates back to 2012 is totally false as Elite Minerals did not exist in 2012,” Mr. Ablakwa noted, attaching what he described as irrefutable evidence.

The North Tongu MP further alleged that Elite Minerals directors, Alvin Mensah and Awo Mensah, were close associates of the President’s daughters, Edwina Akufo-Addo and Awo Mensah.

He also claimed that these individuals were involved in a series of controversial business dealings, including a USD34.9 million ambulance scandal.

The MP raised concerns about government's failure to act decisively on illegal mining, attributing it to the influence of politically connected individuals.

"The abysmal failure of government to stop the galamsey menace appears to be a result of the government’s impotence and complicity due to the political heavyweights deeply involved in the destruction of our environment in the name of small-scale mining," Mr. Ablakwa asserted.

He called on the government to act in the interest of the nation and not protect elite individuals engaged in illegal mining.

"The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government should desist from shielding politically exposed irresponsible miners closely associated with presidential daughters," he urged.