Oda MP, Krontihene clash over MCE’s galamsey bribe saga

Tensions have erupted in the Akyem Oda Constituency following a public clash between the Member of Parliament (MP), Alexander Akwasi Acquah, and the Krontihene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Obrempong Gyamfi Saforo Kyere II, over allegations of bribery and complicity in illegal mining activities involving the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Brako Kusi.Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Brako Kusi.

The controversy began after Acquah publicly accused the MCE — who also happens to be his younger brother — of aiding and abetting illegal mining operations, commonly known as galamsey, within the constituency.

According to the MP, the MCE allegedly collected money from illegal miners as “fines” to permit them to continue their destructive activities, a practice Akwasi Acquah described as both unlawful and unethical.

In a press release issued on November 3, 2025, Acquah stated that his decision to expose the MCE was part of his commitment to fighting the menace of illegal mining in Akyem Oda.

“When I exposed the Municipal Chief Executive of Birim Central, Solomon Brako Kusi, for facilitating galamsey activities, I was simply doing my job. I did not expect condemnation from the Krontihene for standing up for what is right,” the MP wrote.

He expressed disappointment that, instead of calling for an independent investigation into the matter, Obrempong Saforo Kyere publicly criticized him for allegedly sabotaging the MCE.

The MP said he remains resolute in his anti-galamsey campaign and promised to “lay bare all findings” in the coming days to ensure transparency and accountability.

However, the Krontihene has since intervened in the escalating feud between the two state officials.

Speaking to the media, he called for calm and unity, urging both political leaders to set aside their differences and work collaboratively in the interest of peace and development.

“The development of Akyem Oda must come first,” he emphasized. “Our leaders must work together to ensure stability and growth, not division and tension.”

He further advised Akwasi Acquah to focus on his parliamentary duties and allow the MCE to perform his administrative functions without interference, adding that unnecessary political infighting only undermines the progress of the municipality.

The Krontihene also appealed to the Minority Leadership in Parliament to counsel the MP to cooperate with the MCE rather than fueling mistrust and circulating unverified claims that could tarnish the image of the constituency.

Meanwhile, a youth group known as the Concerned Youth of Akyem Oda has waded into the matter, throwing its support behind the traditional council’s call for reconciliation.

Addressing a press conference, the group described the ongoing rift as “unproductive and disheartening,” noting that such divisions risk stalling key developmental projects in the area.

The youth commended MCE Solomon Brako Kusi for what they termed his “visible contributions” to community development since assuming office, citing improved road networks, sanitation initiatives, and social interventions as evidence of his leadership.

They appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to ignore calls from some political quarters demanding the MCE’s dismissal, insisting that his tenure has brought tangible progress to the municipality.