Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, a Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, has taken two media houses operated by Media General to the National Media Commission (NMC) for allegedly twisting his comments on illegal mining, also known as galamsey. The controversy started when Dr. Afriyie was quoted saying that the NPP government wouldn’t end galamsey as it would harm their chances in the upcoming December general elections. However, he claims his remarks were distorted.

Dr. Afriyie’s lawyers sent a letter to the NMC, alleging that Media General unprofessionally edited and misrepresented his statements to cause public disaffection and damage his reputation as a medical doctor, politician, and MP.

JoyNews’ Kweku Asante reported that Dr. Afriyie’s legal team is awaiting a response from the NMC after the complaint was forwarded to Media General for their input. The NMC has also asked Media General to address the matter.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has been petitioned to take action against Dr. Afriyie for contradicting their stance on galamsey. The GMA has called for an immediate halt to the government’s community mining scheme, denouncing it as a facade for illegal mining. Dr. Samuel Ayeh, a member of the GMA, wants Dr. Afriyie to be sanctioned for not maintaining high ethical standards befitting of medical practitioners in Ghana.

The situation highlights the complexities surrounding galamsey and its impact on Ghana’s environment and politics.