BIA to expose corrupt public officials

The Bureau for Internal Affairs (BIA), a centre for intelligence gathering for public concerns, says it has in its possession, a tape that has captured the fraudulent deals involving some corrupt forestry officials and small scale mining operators.

Mr Godfred Nkrumah, Coordinating Director of BIA told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that the damning tape would be handed over to the Ministry of Lands and Forestry to aid in investigations.

He said the Bureau has also received series of reports from miners in the Ashanti Region of extortion by some corrupt forest officials, who take between GHȼ 50 – GHȼ 100, before they are allowed to operate in mining concessions. Some also get their excavators seized.

Mr Nkrumah alleged that those who fail to pay are arrested as “galamsey” operators and are made to appear before court.

“BIA’s tape had uncovered a payment deal of GHȼ 35,000 as part payment of GHȼ 100,000.

“The Bureau is about to conclude its final report and is ready to share it with the relevant authorities to uncover those behind the deal,” Mr Nkrumah said.

He said the investigations covered the towns of Nyinahini, Jakobu, Bekwai and Kobro.

Source: GNA