The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Amenfi East Constituency, Mr. Ernest Frimpong, has presented himself at the Regional Police Station in Tarkwa.
A widely circulated video on social media showed him allegedly encouraging illegal miners (galamsayers) to resist and attack soldiers patrolling their sites.
In the video, Mr. Frimpong purportedly claims that government initiatives such as #OperationGalamStop, #OperationVanguard, #OperationHalt I & II have been suspended, implying a green light for galamsayers to mine without interference from law enforcement, particularly the Police and Military.
Furthermore, Mr. Frimpong promises to establish a WhatsApp platform for miners to report encounters with uniformed personnel, including soldiers, and pledges swift action from local authorities. He allegedly urges galamsayers to confront any officer attempting to halt their activities.
The National Democratic Congress has condemned the video, urging the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to address Mr. Frimpong’s statements, which they argue could endanger security personnel.
Following his appearance at the Western Regional Police Command, Mr. Frimpong has been questioned, charged, and is currently seeking Police inquiry bail. The Municipal Chief Executive for Amenfi East, Hon.
Frederick Korankye, confirms Mr. Frimpong’s engagement with legal counsel to secure bail and cooperate with the investigation.
Hon. Korankye maintains that the recorded audio, dated approximately two months prior, does not promote violence against Military personnel.
“He was invited, my brother let me make this thing clear. The meeting went on two months ago so when he was invited he was not in the constituency. He was in Kumasi and came yesterday so he is with the Police and I’m sure he will be granted bail today. You can talk to the Regional crime officer about the charges,” Hon. Frederick Korankye said.
He clarifies that Mr. Frimpong was not present in the constituency when invited by authorities, indicating that awareness of the video’s contents only emerged recently, prompting Police action.