Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action by dismissing Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and police commanders in areas where illegal mining, known as galamsey, remains widespread.
Speaking on Citi FM, Dr. Ashigbey stressed that accountability at the local level is crucial if Ghana is to win the fight against illegal mining. He further advised that sacked officials should not only be relieved of their posts but also interdicted and investigated for complicity.
“I would be asking the President that anywhere there is galamsey, he should dismiss the DCE, the MCE, and the police commanders in those communities. After that, you immediately interdict them and start investigating them for complicity,” he stated.
His call follows the recent arrest of four individuals after a violent clash between illegal miners and the Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce at Bonteso in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region. Reports indicate the confrontation started when the taskforce intercepted an excavator being used for galamsey.
The miners, allegedly led by the local assembly member Patrick Asare, attacked officers with stones, blocked exits, and opened fire. In response, the task force used what it described as “appropriate force” to ensure safe passage, successfully impounding an excavator.
The four suspects are set to be transferred to Accra for further investigation and prosecution as authorities step up efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations across the country.
