Presidential Aide Discusses Prof’s Report on Low-Bed Vehicle Transportation of Excavators on Highways for Galamsey Operations in 2019

Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, a presidential staffer, has denied any involvement in illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey, after he was named in a report by the former minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. The report, which was leaked to the media, mentioned several individuals from the Jubilee House staff as being involved in galamsey.

Tagoe, like many others mentioned in the report, has refuted the allegations against him, either in part or in whole. He released a statement in which he categorically denied any involvement in galamsey.

However, he did disclose that he had contacted Frimpong-Boateng once in 2019 regarding an excavator that was being transported on a low-bed vehicle on a highway. He provided the necessary details to the minister, but he did not follow up on the request, nor does he have any knowledge of what happened to the excavator.

Tagoe’s statement further added that he had nothing to do with illegal mining and that it was unfortunate that Frimpong-Boateng had included him in the report.

His full statement is below: 

My fellow Ghanaians, 

I wish to address recent media reports attempting to link me to illegal small-scale mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. These reports are based on a statement made by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, the former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining. 

Let me state categorically that I have no involvement in galamsey. In 2019, I spoke to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng regarding an excavator being transported on a low-bed vehicle on a highway. He requested details, and I provided the information. However, I did not follow up on the request, and I have no knowledge of what happened with the excavator. 

It is unfortunate that Prof. Frimpong-Boateng would make comments about me in his report. I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with illegal mining. I urge the media and the public to disregard the portions of the report that pertain to me and treat it with the contempt it deserves.

I believe in the rule of law, and I am committed to supporting efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the country. I remain committed to the development of Ghana and the well-being of its citizens.

Thank you.

SIGNED:

Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe