The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, claiming that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s daughters are involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 28 September 2024, the Ministry described these claims as "false and misleading," urging the public to disregard the accusations.

The Ministry clarified that no member of the President’s family is connected to any galamsey operations, labelling the allegations as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the President's family.

“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to certain comments by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alleging that the daughters of the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, are either associated with a certain company and/or involved in illegal mining," the statement said.

It indicated that: "The said allegations are palpably false and without merit whatsoever."

Addressing the claims surrounding Elite Minerals Company Limited, the Ministry explained that the company, which Mr. Ablakwa linked to the President’s daughters, was registered in 2008 and granted a mining lease in the Kwaebibirem Municipality in 2012, during the administration of former President John Mahama.

This timeline, they emphasised, debunks any assertions of recent or current involvement by the President's family in illegal mining activities.

The Ministry reaffirmed government's firm stance against illegal mining, underscoring that individuals found engaging in galamsey, irrespective of their social status or connections, would face legal consequences.

The statement also criticised political figures for spreading falsehoods for political gain and emphasised the government’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate lands impacted by illegal mining and to protect the nation’s natural resources.

“The Ministry urges all political actors to refrain from spreading falsehoods that serve no purpose other than to damage reputations and create unnecessary political tension," the statement added.