Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene has responded to concerns raised by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni regarding the arrest of a man accused of making false galamsey-related claims against three regional ministers.
The reaction follows a statement issued by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), announcing the arrest of Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah after a petition filed by representatives of the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regional Ministers.
According to the CID, the suspect “has been arrested to assist the investigation” and is expected to be arraigned on Thursday, 27th November 2025.
Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawo, PRO for the CID, confirmed the development in a signed notice, stating that the suspect remains in custody pending court proceedings.
Manasseh Azure Awuni publicly criticized the arrest, arguing that government officials should pursue civil remedies if they feel defamed rather than involving the police. He wrote:
“Another person has been arrested for allegedly making false claims against the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regional ministers.
“If the ministers feel defamed, they should sue the person who made the false claim. Why is the police involved?
They often claim the arrest is to ‘assist investigation.’ If that were the case, why did you put him in custody and want to put him before the court? Is that your investigation?”
Awuni further warned that the action risked reviving patterns similar to the old Criminal Libel Law, adding:
“When the complainants are ministers of state, as in this case, we cannot extricate the government from the abuse of the law on publishing false news.
This does not mirror the character of President John Dramani Mahama, whose tolerance for free speech is well known. He must act on this, or it means he endorses it.
The Attorney-General should take steps to repeal this law, which is being abused and used like the Criminal Libel Law that President Kufuor repealed.”
In a direct response, Ashanti Regional Minister **Frank Amoakohene** defended the decision to involve law enforcement, insisting that the allegations made were not merely defamatory but criminal in nature.
He stated:
“Dear Manasseh Azure Awuni, free speech goes with responsibility. The allegations were criminal accusations because galamsey is a crime in Ghana.
“Don’t worry about the defamation, that is a civil case and my lawyers will pursue that matter also to the core. This has nothing to do with government blablabla.”
