The lynched Army Captain who died in Denkyira Monday, Capt Maxwell Mahama, was protecting illegal Chinese galamseyers in the community.

According to the District Chief Executive of Upper Denkyira West, under which Denkyira-Obuasi falls, Mahama was the commanding officer of a detachment of troops who were protecting these illegal galamseyers.

The DCE, Daniel Appianing, made the comments when interviewed on Adom Fm’s Morning show Tuesday.

His comments came after the defence minister said Mahama was in the area as part of an anti-galamsey taskforce, one which he actually commanded.

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“There is a large number of military personnel protecting the Chinese that the lynched soldier is alleged to be part of it, in fact he is said to be the leader…am shocked they are not briefing you very well but rather claiming they are here to fight galamseyers…,” he said.

“As I speak, there are reports that the BNI is calling on the military to help stop it because it is creating disaffection between the residents and the military” he continued.

“He [Mahama] was the leader of the soldiers protecting the Chinese galamseyers, anyone can confirm it from the police hierarchy here, and the BNI as well…,”

However, in responding, the Defence Minister said the DCE should not comment on issues he knew nothing about.

“I don’t know who this DCE is but he should not speak on this again because he does not understand the issue…,” Dominic Nitiwul said.

He said Mahama was in the area as part of ‘Opeation Halt 2’, which was an effort by the military to help the fight against galamsey. He also revealed the lynched officer was on the verge of being promoted to a major, after he passed all his needed exams for the promotion.