Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Manso Nkwanta and Board Member of the Minerals Commission, Joseph Albert Quarm, has filed a lawsuit against Professor Frimpong-Boateng.
The former Minister for Environment. Quarm is seeking damages amounting to GH¢2.5 million, accusing Frimpong-Boateng of making false allegations against him in relation to underhand sales of mining concessions, bribery and vote buying.
The lawsuit, filed in a court of law, highlights the escalating tensions between the two prominent figures and the gravity of the accusations being levelled.
Quarm vehemently denies the allegations and insists that they have caused significant harm to his reputation and standing in the community.
At the heart of the legal battle is a controversial report authored by Professor Frimpong-Boateng on illegal mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey.” Quarm claims that the report contains defamatory statements that directly implicate him in corrupt practices. As a result, he is seeking an injunction to prevent Frimpong-Boateng and his associates from publishing any aspects of the report that relate to the allegations made against him, be it through media interviews or other means.
The former Environment Minister has yet to issue a public response to the lawsuit, but it is expected that he will vigorously defend himself against the defamation charges.
Galamsey, the illegal mining of gold and other minerals, has been a longstanding issue in Ghana, with detrimental effects on the environment and local communities. The report authored by Frimpong-Boateng was intended to shed light on the extent of the problem and propose measures to curb the illicit activities. However, it has now become the center of a legal dispute that could have far-reaching implications for the political and environmental landscapes of the country.