Pressure is mounting on President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tano North, Pius Opoku, following allegations that he misled the public about the extent of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the municipality.

The calls come after a Facebook post by JoyNews journalist Erastus Asare Donkor on Friday, October 3, accused Mr Opoku of leading traditional leaders upstream to record videos suggesting the Bisi River was unaffected by galamsey, when in reality the downstream section at Adrobaa Bisi was badly polluted. 

“DISINFORMATION by no mean person than the MCE is serious!!” Erastus wrote, sharing photographs as evidence.

Several Ghanaians who commented under the post expressed outrage, accusing the MCE of betrayal and complicity. One person wrote: “MCE hand over to the coordinating director by the close of the day. I have fired you.”

Another demanded: “For me, the MCE of that district who gave false information to that level — Mr President, sack him immediately to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Others went further, questioning the integrity of MCEs in galamsey-prone areas. 

“Even if an angel tells me MCEs in galamsey districts have no interest in galamsey, I will laugh.

Tweaa!” one commenter remarked, while another tagged President Mahama and the Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to take immediate action.