The Minority in Parliament has called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to launch an immediate investigation into the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Kusi Brako, over allegations that he imposed and collected “fake fines” from illegal miners in Akyem Oda.
In a statement signed by the Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the caucus said it was appalled by the MCE’s own admission that illegal miners were fined and released to continue their operations — an action the Minority described as unlawful and deeply troubling.
The controversy follows reports that some of the miners, alleged to be NDC branch executives, had complained after paying fines to the MCE only for their equipment to later be destroyed by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
After a leaked audio from an NDC platform sparked media attention, the MCE held a press conference confirming that the Municipal Finance Officer collected the money as “legal fines” and issued receipts to back the transactions.
However, the Minority is questioning both the legality and integrity of the process.
“Why will the President’s representative in Akyem Oda defend the imposition of fines for illegal mining, with all its devastating effects, and compromise the President’s supposedly avowed interest in fighting galamsey?” the caucus queried.
Citing the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), the group emphasized that the power to impose and collect fines rests solely with the courts, not municipal executives. They further referenced Section 46 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which prescribes that offenders can only be sanctioned by a court through a fine or imprisonment.
“We in the Minority can now say of a fact that the MCE is engaged in ultra vires acts,” the statement added.
The caucus also cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the receipts presented by the MCE, noting that he displayed an “original receipt” still attached to the booklet — contrary to standard practice, where originals are issued to payers and duplicates remain with the issuer.
Moreover, the receipt shown was dated September 25, 2025, a timing the Minority says “raises further suspicion that the transaction was concocted.”
Official Assembly records reportedly contradict the MCE’s narrative. While the MCE claimed GH₵55,000 was collected as fines, the Birim Central Assembly’s 2026 Budget lists total fines revenue for 2025 at only GH₵12,813.
“If this payment was indeed legitimate and properly receipted, why does it not appear in the Assembly’s official financial report?” the statement asked, suggesting possible misappropriation of funds.
The Minority insists it has credible documents to support a full-scale investigation and urged the OSP and the Ministry of Local Government to intervene swiftly.
“If the President’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and corruption is genuine, this matter presents a critical test case for his government’s resolve to restore public trust,” the statement concluded.
