Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Kusi Brako, has denied invoking curses on Akim Oda Member of Parliament, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, at a riverside, following allegations linking him to illegal mining (galamsey).
Responding to the claims, the MCE said his action could not be described as an invocation of curses. According to him, he only sought the intervention of the gods regarding the false allegations that he was involved in illegal mining activities.
The MP had earlier responded to a viral video showing the MCE pouring libation, arguing that the MCE ought to seek legal redress in court instead.
However, the MCE posited that he merely prayed, asking the gods to deal with him if he was engaged in galamsey, or to deal with the MP if the allegations were false.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated, “I have not cursed the MP. I did not invoke curses on him. I asked the gods to intervene on my behalf. I asked them to deal with me if I was facilitating or involved in galamsey. I also asked the gods to turn the punishment meant for me to them if I was not involved in galamsey. For a year and a half now, he has been accusing me of engaging in galamsey. He has forwarded the allegations to his communicators, who are speaking on radio and television defaming me. As a young person who has been appointed as MCE, I cannot allow people to tarnish my image.”
Mr Brako told host Kwabena Agyapong that small-scale miners operating without permits within the tributary of Great Consolidated Diamonds Ghana Limited (GCDGL) in Akyem Oda were fined, with the payment deposited into the Assembly’s coffers.
He explained that the fee-fixing resolution requires that when someone operates a business without the Assembly’s permit, a fine is imposed.
He maintained that he and the Municipal Security Council have on numerous occasions cracked down on illegal mining (galamsey) along the Birim River in Akyem Oda, seizing excavators and control boards, and burning Changfa machines and other mining equipment.
When asked why he failed to seek redress in court and sue the MP for defamation, he explained that he preferred his chosen approach because he believes the response from the gods will come with the speed of light.
“Court is an option. The person making the allegation had the opportunity of going to court, but he chose to be jumping from one radio station and TV station to another just to make false and baseless allegations against me. I don’t think that is the court. So, if people ask why I did not go to court, I chose my approach because the response I want will come with the speed of light. I believe in our court system, but I also believe in our traditional systems,” he stated.
He revealed that the MP had already taken him to court over an action the Assembly took in pulling down unauthorised billboards belonging to the MP.
He added that he did not want to add another court case to it, as it could affect his productivity, which is why he settled on the traditional route instead.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana