Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Sam Pyne, has refused allegations of his involvement in galamsey.
According to him he owns a concession but is not involved in any galamsey operations.
In an interview in Peace Fm he said, “Has anyone heard that I am involved in galamsey? Yes, I have a concession; I’m a Ghanaian but I’m not not involved in galamsey”.
However, an investigation by The Fourth Estate into a concerning rush for mining concessions in forest reserves revealed that Mr. Pyne’s company is engaged in activities that pose a threat to the survival of a forest reserve.
The investigation claimed that Mr. Pyne’s company, Sam & Gyan Limited, applied for a gold mining lease in the Oda River Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region. Records from the Minerals Commission confirm that the company submitted its mining license application in February 2023.
Mr. Pyne disclosed that, the reportage was false and was written out of hatred.
He revealed that he applied for a lease in 2018 and after almost six years, he is yet to receive the necessary documentation that would give him the greenlight to start work and is still waiting.
“I have the list of NDC members involved in galamsey at my fingertips and I will mention the names if anyone dares me,” he emphasized.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to stop speaking about galamsey with emotions.
