14/11/2025
*OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE-AOWIN*
_14/11/25_
*REFUTATION AND DISCLAIMER OF FALSE PUBLICATION*
*ATTRIBUTED TO HON. STEPHEN MORCHER (AOWIN MCE)*
My attention has been drawn to a misleading and false publication by the Daily Times Newspaper under the headline:
*“Aowin MCE Hails NAIMOS for Busting Fake Anti-Galamsey Thugs.”*
I wish to place on record that the content of this publication is entirely false, misleading, and does not represent my statements, views, or position on the matter.
The reporter, Mr. Bismark Appiah of Daily Times Newspaper, contacted me with a few questions. In response:
1. He asked whether NAIMOS notified me of their presence in Aowin, and I confirmed that they did.
2. He further inquired whether their operations have yielded any benefits, and I responded that their work has helped reduce the activities of illegal miners in parts of our forest.
3. He also asked whether Nananom’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce had consulted me before their operations in the forest. I stated clearly that although they did not consult me prior to that particular activity, I am fully aware of their long-standing operations in the Municipality.
At no point did I describe Nananom’s taskforce as “fake,” “illegitimate,” or “thugs.”
Such words were never used by me and must be treated as fabrications.
I wish to emphasize that:
Nananom’s Anti-Galamsey Taskforce has been instrumental in the fight against illegal mining since 2020.
They have seized equipment, halted illegal activities, and consistently reported their operations to the Ghana Police Service at Enchi.
Their dedication, sacrifice, and collaboration with state authorities cannot and must not be downplayed or misrepresented.
I therefore call on the general public to disregard the false publication by the Daily Times Newspaper and treat it with the utmost contempt it deserves.
I also urge the Editor of Daily Times Newspaper to immediately retract the misleading story, pull it down from all media platforms, and exercise greater professionalism and due diligence in future publications to avoid misinforming the public.
As Municipal Chief Executive, I remain committed to supporting all lawful efforts—by NAIMOS, Nananom, and other stakeholders to protect our natural resources and strengthen the fight against illegal mining in the Aowin Municipality.
Signed
*Hon. Stephen Morcher*
(Municipal Chief Executive)
Aowin Municipal Assembly
