The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has expressed issues over studies suggesting that some law enforcement officials is likely to be accepting bribes from unlawful miners.
He, due to this fact, known as on the Western Central Police Command to stay dedicated to combat unlawful mining (galamsey) with none compromise.
Talking at a gathering with police management in Tarkwa, Mr Nelson mentioned “The environment
is being destroyed within the identify of discovering gold and getting cash, placing lives in danger. I’m saddened once I hear that a few of you’re compromised within the combat in opposition to galamsey.
“Simply this night, somebody known as me to complain that some officers are accepting bribes, ranging from GH¢2,000 to GH¢3,000. Whereas cash is necessary, it’s extra fulfilling when earned honestly.”
Mr Nelson warned that Ghana’s meals safety was underneath severe menace, probably because of the devastating influence of galamsey on our water our bodies and arable lands
Once more, he indicated that there was a lot to be performed on galamsey, and because the Regional Minister, whereas he would applaud good and the damaging aspect on the combat in opposition to galamsey.
He continued that, “Some would possibly suppose, if the water our bodies are destroyed, we will afford bottled water. However that’s an unfortunate mindset. The implications of galamsey will finally have an effect on us all, and we’re already witnessing its damaging impacts on our well being and lives.”
In furtherance, Mr Nelson contended the nation’s leaders should care concerning the areas affected
“Right now, our nation’s meals safety is in severe hazard. The land we as soon as used to plant cassava and different staple crops is being threatened. As you drive round, do you see thriving cassava farms? It’s disheartening to witness the decline,” he added.
The Western Central Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Desmond Boampong, additionally spoke concerning the challenges the command confronted from unknown people claiming to be members of the Nationwide Democratic Congress (NDC), who intimidate the police, after unlawful mining operations.
These people, he alleged, harassed law enforcement officials every time they make arrests and, due to this fact appealed to the Regional Minister to assist handle these incidents which hindered the police’s efforts to fight galamsey
However, DCOP Boampong pledged the command would assist the combat in opposition to unlawful mining
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TARKWA
