The Public Relations Officer of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, Daniel Ofori-Atta, has denied claims linking prominent lawyer and political figure Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko to illegal mining (galamsey) activities in Akyem Asikam, Eastern Region.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Ofori-Atta described the allegations as “shocking” and emphasised that Otchere-Darko has no involvement in galamsey operations on the land in question.

The comments follow a report by the Daily Democrat alleging that Otchere-Darko had been implicated in illegal mining activities in the area.

Ofori-Atta explained that Otchere-Darko acquired a 30-acre parcel of land in Akyem Asikam about seven years ago for livestock farming.

He said the property is located within a larger mining concession area that has frequently been invaded by illegal miners.

“About seven years ago, Gabby said he wanted to do livestock farming, so through me he acquired a 30-acre land in the Asikam area,” Ofori-Atta explained.

He added that multiple lands in the area, including those of concession holders, have faced repeated invasions by illegal miners.

Ofori-Atta said he has intervened several times by contacting the police to arrest miners operating on the land.

“I cannot count the number of times that I have personally invited the police to the land to effect arrests. But the nature of this thing is that when you arrest them during the day, they come back at night,” he explained.

He further noted that Otchere-Darko has directed that the land be walled to prevent further encroachment, though the project has not yet been fully completed.

“The entire town has been invaded by illegal miners. Nigerians and others move into cocoa farms and lands to mine. This is a national crisis,” Ofori-Atta said.

Regarding the allegations, he suggested a political motive, given Otchere-Darko’s public profile.

“I am quite shocked that anyone would want to connect Mr Otchere-Darko to what is happening in the area,” he added.

He concluded by asserting that Otchere-Darko has no connection to illegal mining on the property.