EPA boss slams ‘blatant misrepresentation’ of comments on political interference in galamsey fight

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has strongly condemned what she describes as a “deliberate misrepresentation” of her recent remarks on political involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).

Her comments, originally made during an interview with Channel One TV on March 31, 2025, were in response to a question about whether the EPA is capable of resisting political interference in its fight against illegal mining. In the interview, Prof. Klutse acknowledged the presence of influential individuals in galamsey operations but stated, “So far, we’ve not had a complaint of a politician being involved in such illegal mining.”

Since then, a flyer has circulated on social media purporting to twist her words and suggesting that she claimed there is no political interference in illegal mining. The flyer also features an unrelated image of her with Bernard Antwi Boasiako (a.k.a. Chairman Wuntumi), further fueling political speculation.

In a statement released on April 3, Prof. Klutse set the record straight, calling the flyer and similar commentary online “a blatant misrepresentation” that completely distorts the intent of her statement.

“Unfortunately, the flyer in circulation has misrepresented my statement, twisting it for political gain by including an unrelated image of Chairman Wuntumi and myself,” she noted.

Prof. Klutse explained that her original response highlighted that the EPA often acts on formal complaints and routine compliance checks, and that no formal complaint had been received regarding political involvement in galamsey activities.

She made it clear that “the EPA will not spare any politician found to be involved in illegal mining,” and reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to its mandate of environmental sustainability without fear or favour.

“I wish to set the record straight and urge the public to rely on verified information rather than misleading materials intended to score political points,” she stated.

The EPA boss stressed that the agency’s work remains free from political influence and cautioned the public against falling for deliberate distortions that undermine the fight against galamsey.